Utah Nurses Hold Vigil for Minnesota ICU Nurse Killed During Protest

Hundreds gather to honor Alex Pretti, who was shot by Border Patrol officers during an immigration enforcement demonstration

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hundreds of Utah nurses and others joined together for a vigil to honor Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse who was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers in Minneapolis while participating in an immigration enforcement protest. Pretti, who had a concealed-carry permit, was armed but did not brandish his weapon during the incident, according to witness videos. Multiple lawmakers have called for an independent investigation into the shooting, criticizing the Trump administration's initial response referring to Pretti as a 'domestic terrorist' and an 'assassin'.

Why it matters

Pretti's death has sparked outrage among the nursing community and raised concerns about the use of force by federal immigration authorities during protests. It comes just weeks after another fatal shooting of a mother by an ICE officer, highlighting ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the safety of protesters.

The details

New video has surfaced showing Pretti kicking out a tail light of a vehicle belonging to immigration agents and scuffling with officers 11 days before the fatal shooting. However, his family's attorney said nothing about that previous encounter 'could possibly have justified Alex's killing'. Pretti was armed but did not brandish his weapon during either incident, according to witness videos and reporting.

  • On January 7, 2026, Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.
  • On January 18, 2026, Pretti was involved in an incident where he kicked out a tail light of a vehicle belonging to immigration agents and scuffled with officers.
  • On January 29, 2026, Pretti was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers during an immigration enforcement protest in Minneapolis.

The players

Alex Pretti

A 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse who was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers during an immigration enforcement protest in Minneapolis.

Renee Nicole Good

A 37-year-old mother of three who was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer on January 7, 2026.

Sen. John Curtis

A Republican senator from Utah who has called for an independent investigation into Pretti's shooting.

Rep. Blake Moore

A Republican representative from Utah who has also called for an independent investigation into Pretti's shooting.

Tom Homan

The Trump administration's border czar who has said federal officials are working on a 'drawdown plan' in Minnesota but urged local leaders to 'tone down the dangerous rhetoric and condemn all unlawful action' against law enforcement.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“According to reporting from family, Alex participated in demonstrations because he believed profoundly in human dignity and justice, and he grieved what was happening to vulnerable people in his city. In his final moments, when Alex saw someone on the ground needing help, he did what nurses do. He moved toward suffering, not away from it, and he did so without hesitation.”

— Doxstader (Deseret News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Pretti's death has sparked outrage among the nursing community and raised concerns about the use of force by federal immigration authorities during protests. It comes amid ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the safety of protesters, highlighting the need for independent investigations and de-escalation of rhetoric from officials.