Archive · 31 Jan 2026
Trump labels dead ICE protester agitator
A man named Alex Pretti was shot and killed by ICE agents during a protest.
Before he died, a video was taken of him arguing with and kicking a government car.
The President, Donald Trump, saw the video and said Pretti was an 'agitator' and 'insurrectionist' because of how he acted.
In the video, Pretti is seen shouting at officers and kicking a car so hard that a taillight broke off.
He also had a handgun, but it's not clear if the officers saw it or if he tried to use it.
Trump said the ICE officer stayed calm during the incident.
There are differing views on Pretti's actions, with protesters seeing him as a victim and the administration viewing him as an agitator.
The administration also plans to de-escalate ICE operations in Minneapolis if local officials cooperate.
President Donald Trump labeled Alex Pretti, a protester shot dead by ICE agents, an 'agitator and perhaps insurrectionist'
A viral video showed Pretti in a scuffle with federal agents 11 days before his death
In the video, Pretti is seen shouting, spitting, and kicking a government vehicle, breaking a taillight
Pretti had a handgun tucked in his waistband, but it's unclear if the agents noticed or if he attempted to use it
Trump praised the ICE officer for remaining calm during the altercation
- Who
- Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, and US President Donald Trump
- What
- Trump labeled Pretti an 'agitator and perhaps insurrectionist' after a video surfaced showing Pretti in a scuffle with federal agents
- When
- The incident occurred on January 13, and the video was released on January 28
- Where
- Minneapolis
- Why
- Trump's comments were in response to a viral video showing Pretti's altercation with ICE agents
Protesters and Critics
Trump Administration
Nature of Pretti's Actions
Protesters and Critics
Protesters view Pretti as a victim of excessive force and a peaceful demonstrator.
Trump Administration
Trump administration sees Pretti as an agitator and potential insurrectionist based on his behavior in the video.
ICE Operations in Minneapolis
Protesters and Critics
Critics argue that ICE operations are heavy-handed and causing unnecessary harm to communities.
Trump Administration
The administration defends ICE operations as necessary for enforcing immigration laws and removing criminals.
- Name
- Alex Pretti
- Age
- 37
- Date of Incident
- January 13
- Date of Video Release
- January 28
- Location
- Minneapolis
- Agency Involved
- ICE
- Trump's Platform
- Truth Social
- Profession
- Intensive Care Nurse
- Border Czar
- Tom Homan
Sources
Trump brands dead ICE protester Alex Pretti an ‘agitator’ and ‘insurrectionist’ after viral video
‘Crazed, out of control’ – Trump reacts to viral video of slain nurse Alex Pretti, says ICE officer was ‘calm and cool’
Trump calls Minneapolis nurse an 'agitator' after footage shows Alex Pretti scuffling with officials
US Justice Dept opens civil rights probe into Alex Pretti shooting, official says
US Justice Dept opens civil rights probe into Alex Pretti shooting, official says
US Justice Dept opens civil rights probe into Alex Pretti shooting