Obamas Describe Alex Pretti Killing as ‘Tragedy’ as Calls Grow for Full Investigation

Pressure intensified on the Trump administration on Sunday to conduct a full and transparent investigation into the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse who was fatally shot by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis on Saturday.

Calls for accountability have come from across the political spectrum following the emergence of video footage showing officers removing a handgun from Pretti’s waistband before he was shot. Reports indicate the firearm was legally permitted and was not being handled by Pretti at the time of the shooting.

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama described the killing as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and a “wake-up call” for the nation. In a statement, they said federal immigration and law enforcement agents were operating in ways that were neither lawful nor accountable.

The Obamas criticized what they described as aggressive and intimidating tactics by masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, noting that such actions had now resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, Pretti and Renee Good. They also faulted Trump administration officials for escalating rhetoric before the completion of any investigation, despite video evidence that appeared to contradict official claims.

They urged Americans to support peaceful protests, saying citizens must speak out against injustice and hold government institutions accountable.

Former President Bill Clinton also condemned the killings, calling the scenes surrounding the immigration crackdown “horrible” and avoidable. He accused authorities of misleading the public and dismissing clear video evidence.

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana said the credibility of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was at stake, calling for a joint federal and state investigation. Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, demanded that federal immigration agents leave Minnesota and urged Democrats to block DHS funding.

Senators Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Adam Schiff of California confirmed they would oppose funding for DHS, citing what they described as lawless conduct by immigration authorities. Klobuchar said trust in law enforcement had broken down completely and called for immigration agents to withdraw from the state.

Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, demanded the truth about their son’s death, condemning what they called false and damaging statements by administration officials. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had claimed Pretti brandished a gun, an assertion not supported by video evidence.

Federal officials, including Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, defended the need for an investigation, insisting that videos did not capture the full context of the incident. Bovino controversially stated that the “victims” were the border patrol agents involved.

A federal judge has since ordered the Trump administration to preserve all evidence related to the shooting following a lawsuit by Minnesota officials. State Attorney General Keith Ellison said a full, impartial investigation was “non-negotiable.”

Protests and memorials continued across Minneapolis as political tensions rose, with Democrats warning that the government could face a partial shutdown if immigration enforcement funding remains tied to broader budget negotiations.