In a heartbreaking turn that has intensified national outrage, the family of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, the 37-year-old intensive care nurse fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis, has reportedly discovered a series of messages on his phone that shed new light on the events leading to his death. The revelation comes as protests rage across the U.S., with demonstrators demanding accountability from the Department of Homeland Security and an end to aggressive immigration enforcement operations in the city.

Pretti, who worked at the Minneapolis VA hospital caring for American veterans, was killed on January 24, 2026, during a confrontation with Border Patrol agents conducting a targeted immigration sweep. Multiple videos captured by bystanders show Pretti holding his phone—apparently filming the scene—while attempting to intervene as agents detained individuals and used pepper spray on civilians. Witnesses and local officials insist he was unarmed in the moment of the shooting, with one agent seen removing a handgun from his person only after he was tackled. Pretti, a licensed concealed carry permit holder, had no prior criminal record beyond minor traffic violations.

The family, already devastated and furious over what they describe as “sickening lies” from federal officials labeling their son a threat, gained access to his phone in the days following the tragedy. Sources close to the situation indicate the messages discussed growing community tensions, plans to document enforcement actions peacefully, and concerns about the safety of neighbors amid the crackdown. These exchanges reportedly highlighted Pretti’s deep frustration with recent incidents, including the fatal shooting of another Minneapolis resident earlier in the month, which had sparked widespread demonstrations.

Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan, along with his sister Micayla, released statements emphasizing his compassionate nature. As an ICU nurse, he was known for going above and beyond for patients, once providing end-of-life care with such tenderness that families still recall his kindness years later. An avid outdoorsman who loved mountain biking and adventures with his dog (who passed recently), Pretti was remembered as someone who “always wanted to help anyone” and believed in standing up for justice.

The discovery of these messages has fueled speculation about what motivated Pretti to approach the scene that fateful morning. While federal authorities maintain the agents acted in self-defense after Pretti resisted disarmament, conflicting accounts—including sworn witness testimonies and video evidence—paint a picture of a man trying to protect others rather than pose a threat. The incident marks the latest in a string of fatal encounters tied to intensified immigration operations under the current administration, prompting calls for independent investigations from state leaders and civil rights groups.

As vigils continue and a GoFundMe for the family surpasses significant milestones, the messages on Pretti’s phone serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind the headlines. They underscore a broader debate about civil liberties, police accountability, and the role of bystanders in documenting authority in action. For now, Pretti’s loved ones demand one thing above all: the full truth about what happened on that snowy Minneapolis street.