Border Patrol agents kill VA nurse during protest

Federal brokers on Saturday fatally shot a person protesting immigration-enforcement actions in Minneapolis. The person was later revealed to be an worker of the Veterans Affairs Division, working as an intensive-care-unit nurse on the medical heart within the metropolis the place he was killed. 

Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, was taken to the bottom by a number of federal brokers earlier than one among them shot him. Pretti gathered with different protestors as Border Patrol was conducting what it known as a focused operation to detain a person it stated was within the nation illegally. 

Trump-administration officers accused Pretti of approaching Border Patrol brokers with a weapon and resisting efforts to disarm him. They stated, with out proof, that Pretti was seeking to “bloodbath regulation enforcement.” Evaluation of movies of the incident by media organizations such because the New York Occasions discovered that the proof contradicted that model of occasions, exhibiting that Pretti approached the brokers with his telephone in his hand. His firearm was holstered and hid till after the brokers had forcefully introduced him to the bottom.

As a VA nurse, Pretti was a member of the American Federation of Authorities Workers chapter on the Minneapolis VA Medical Middle. AFGE President Everett Kelley stated Pretti “devoted his life to serving American veterans.” 

“Our union is heartbroken,” Kelley stated. “An AFGE member is useless. And a household’s life has been endlessly modified.”

Kelley blamed President Trump’s insurance policies for creating the atmosphere wherein Pretti’s demise occurred, although he inspired his members to reveal restraint. 

“I urge everybody to stay disciplined and measured in public, whilst we’re rightly offended,” Kelley stated. “Nonetheless, we should do what we will to keep up peace and calm.”

The Trump administration was fast to denounce Pretti regardless of his work for the administration and with veterans, with Homeland Safety Division Secretary Kristi Noem rapidly labeling him a home terrorist. VA didn’t reply to a request for remark. Data point out Pretti labored for VA since no less than 2016. 

Pretti’s demise marked the third taking pictures by federal regulation enforcement in Minnesota in current weeks. Earlier this month, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shot and killed Renee Good, who was protesting the company’s enforcement actions from her automobile. Officers shot one other man who was fleeing his tried arrest. 

Doug Massey, president of the AFGE chapter that represents staff in VA’s headquarters, stated the ache of Pretti’s demise could be widespread. 

“Alex…was identified by colleagues, buddies, and household as a compassionate caregiver who was deeply dedicated to serving to others,” Massey stated. “His mindless demise is a profound loss to his family members, his sufferers, and our union household.”

The taking pictures might have additional implications for federal staff: Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., stated in response to the taking pictures that his social gathering wouldn’t conform to a six-bill funding package deal subsequent week if it comprises DHS appropriations. Half of the 12-annual should move spending payments for fiscal 2026 have already cleared Congress, however the remaining six are nonetheless pending earlier than the Senate. The Home already authorized them. 

Along with DHS, these measures would fund the departments of Protection, Labor, Well being and Human Companies, Schooling, Transportation, Housing and City Growth, State and Treasury, in addition to different associated businesses. They’re presently working underneath a stopgap persevering with decision that’s set to run out Jan. 30. Lawmakers might choose to fund simply these businesses and negotiate individually over DHS, although such an method would require new votes in each the Home and Senate.