Amanze Chinonye
Former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have sharply criticised federal immigration enforcement tactics in Minnesota, following the killing of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen whose death has intensified national debate over the conduct of federal agents.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday, January 25, 2026, the Obamas described Pretti’s killing as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and a broader warning that core American values are under strain. They accused federal agents of operating without sufficient accountability and failing to cooperate with state and local authorities.
Alex Pretti, 37, was an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where he worked caring for military veterans. He was fatally shot on January 24 during a confrontation involving U.S. Border Patrol agents amid heightened federal immigration operations in Minneapolis. Authorities have confirmed that Pretti was a U.S. citizen with no serious criminal record beyond minor traffic violations.
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The circumstances surrounding his death quickly became controversial after video footage circulated online, appearing to show Pretti holding a mobile phone rather than a weapon moments before he was restrained and shot. Federal officials initially suggested agents believed he posed a threat, but civil rights groups and Pretti’s family have disputed that account, calling for an independent investigation.
Pretti’s killing came against the backdrop of weeks of tension in Minnesota, where residents, local leaders, and advocacy groups have criticised the presence of masked and heavily armed federal agents conducting enforcement actions without coordination with state and city authorities.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have both raised concerns that such tactics undermine public safety and inflame community fear.
The Obamas’ statement linked Pretti’s death to what they described as “unprecedented tactics” by federal agents, noting that a former senior lawyer at the Department of Homeland Security during the first Trump administration had publicly characterised the operations as “embarrassing, lawless and cruel.”
They said the shootings of Pretti and another U.S. citizen, Renee Good, highlight the dangers of escalating enforcement without clear rules or accountability.
“This has to stop,” the Obamas said, urging the current administration to reconsider its approach and work constructively with Minnesota’s state and local leadership to prevent further loss of life while pursuing legitimate law enforcement goals.
They also expressed support for peaceful protests that have spread from Minneapolis to other parts of the country, saying they reflect citizens’ responsibility to speak out against injustice and hold government accountable.
Federal authorities have said reviews of the incidents are ongoing, while calls continue to mount from lawmakers and civil society groups for transparent investigations into the actions of immigration and border agents involved in the shootings.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
