🚨 EMOTIONAL BOMBSHELL: The family Alex Pretti risked everything to help—just ONE WEEK before his tragic death—has finally broken their silence… and their words will leave you in tears 😢❤️

They watched federal agents chase down what Pretti believed was an innocent family fleeing ICE. He stopped, shouted warnings, blew his whistle to alert the neighborhood… and paid the price with a brutal takedown and broken rib.

But he didn’t stop there. He kept showing up, kept protecting, kept caring—until that fateful day in Minneapolis.

Now, the family he shielded speaks out.

Full story:

A family reportedly aided by 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation approximately one week before his death has publicly expressed gratitude for his intervention, stating in a released comment that they are uncertain of their fate without his actions.

The statement, shared through community channels and referenced in local reporting, comes amid ongoing investigations into Pretti’s January 24, 2026, fatal shooting by U.S. Border Patrol agents during a protest in south Minneapolis. The family described Pretti as intervening when agents pursued individuals they believed were at risk, using his presence and actions—such as alerting others and documenting the encounter—to provide a measure of protection during a tense moment.

Pretti, who worked at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System caring for critically ill veterans, had become active in observing and protesting federal immigration enforcement activities in the city following a surge in operations ordered by the Trump administration. Reports indicate he participated in “ICE watch” efforts, a form of community monitoring where residents document agent actions to ensure accountability and deter potential overreach.

The assisted family highlighted Pretti’s willingness to step forward despite personal risk, noting his earlier encounter with agents—where he sustained a broken rib after being tackled while protesting a pursuit—did not deter him from continuing such involvement. Medical records reviewed by outlets like CNN confirmed treatment consistent with a rib fracture around that time, though DHS stated it had no record of the incident.

Pretti’s family, including parents Michael and Susan Pretti and sister Micayla Pretti, has separately issued statements emphasizing his compassionate nature. Michael Pretti told the Associated Press his son “cared about people deeply” and was “very upset” with ICE operations involving family separations and street apprehensions. The family condemned what they called “sickening lies” from federal officials regarding the shooting, pointing to bystander videos showing Pretti holding a cellphone rather than a firearm during initial physical contact.

The assisted family’s statement aligns with broader accounts of Pretti’s character. Colleagues at the VA described him as quick to help, always asking “What can I do?” and known for small acts of kindness toward patients, visitors, and coworkers. A 2024 video of Pretti delivering a bedside tribute to a deceased Air Force veteran—reading words about sacrifice and freedom—resurfaced after his death, further illustrating his empathy.

The incident that prompted Pretti’s aid reportedly involved agents chasing a family on foot. Pretti stopped his vehicle, began shouting and using a whistle to draw attention, and positioned himself to observe and potentially intervene non-violently. Witnesses and sources indicated agents then engaged him physically, leading to the reported injury. The family he sought to assist credited his actions with creating enough disruption or documentation to allow their safe departure or de-escalation.

Pretti’s death occurred during a similar protest scenario. Bystander footage analyzed by The New York Times, CBS News, and others shows him recording agents before a struggle, during which a handgun was removed from his waistband before multiple shots were fired. DHS maintains agents acted in self-defense after Pretti approached armed and resisted. Pretti held a valid concealed carry permit and had no criminal history.

The assisted family’s public acknowledgment has amplified calls for transparency in federal operations. Protests in Minneapolis and nationwide have continued, with vigils, marches, and memorials honoring Pretti alongside Renee Nicole Good, another U.S. citizen killed by federal agents earlier in January. Demonstrators have chanted names of both victims and demanded independent reviews of use-of-force incidents.

Health care unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees Professional Local 3669 representing VA workers, have condemned the shooting and linked it to broader concerns over enforcement tactics. National organizations like National Nurses United have described aggressive immigration actions as a public health issue, citing fear in communities and impacts on vulnerable populations.

Investigations remain active. The Department of Homeland Security leads the primary probe, with support from the FBI for forensics and evidence review. Body-worn camera footage from agents has been collected but not fully released publicly. Preliminary federal reports have not detailed Pretti reaching for or brandishing his weapon post-restraint.

President Donald Trump has addressed the Minneapolis incidents, assuring an “honorable” investigation while noting Pretti carried a firearm. He requested the departure of Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino from the city and indicated adjustments to operations for de-escalation. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and local officials have urged full disclosure and criticized the deployment’s scale.

Community response in Minneapolis has included mutual aid efforts, with residents organizing to support those affected by raids. “ICE watch” patrols—groups monitoring and filming enforcement—have grown, with participants citing Pretti’s example as motivation to continue despite risks.

Pretti grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and moved to Minnesota for college and career. He began at the VA in research in 2014 before becoming an ICU nurse in 2021, drawn to direct patient care. Colleagues remembered his positivity, outdoor interests like mountain biking, and dedication to veterans.

The assisted family’s statement underscores the personal stakes in the protests Pretti joined. They portrayed him as selfless, acting not for recognition but from a sense of duty to prevent harm. Their words—”We don’t know what would have happened if not for him”—have resonated online and in media, humanizing the broader debate over immigration enforcement, protest rights, and accountability.

As calls for bodycam release and independent oversight persist, the case continues to highlight divisions over federal policy implementation. For many, Pretti’s actions—both in his final moments and in the week prior—represent a commitment to protecting others, even at great personal cost.