Barack and Michelle Obama have expressed their sadness over the shooting of Alex Pretti by a U.S. Border Patrol officer during protests in Minneapolis. The Obamas criticized federal agents' tactics and called for more accountability. The incident has heightened tensions between the Trump administration and Minnesota officials regarding immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was shot by a Border Patrol officer during protests.
Pretti participated in protests against federal immigration operations.
He was a U.S. citizen with no criminal record and active in social causes.
The Obamas criticized the federal response, saying officials escalated tensions without proper investigation.
DHS claimed Pretti approached officers with a handgun, but videos showed him holding a phone.
Family members reported they first heard about Pretti's death from a news reporter, not officials.
The Obamas' statement called the incident a lesson on upholding core national values.
Cornel West, an American philosopher and activist, discusses his concerns about the state of the United States, focusing on what he sees as moral and democratic challenges. He criticizes both major political parties and highlights issues of inequality and international conflicts.
Key Facts
Cornel West is an American philosopher and activist.
He shared his views in an interview on Talk to Al Jazeera.
West believes there is a moral collapse and democratic decay in the U.S.
He is running in the 2024 presidential election.
He critiques both major U.S. political parties for serving established powers.
West points out growing inequality in the U.S.
He raises concerns about U.S. involvement in international conflicts, mentioning places like Gaza.
He questions if love, dignity, and justice can guide political resistance.
Secret recordings reveal that Senator Ted Cruz criticized Vice President Vance and President Trump's tariff policies in private donor meetings. Cruz argued that Trump's tariffs could harm the economy and risk political losses for Republicans. The recordings also show Cruz positioning himself as a traditional Republican opposing certain policies and figures like Tucker Carlson.
Key Facts
Senator Ted Cruz criticized Vice President Vance and President Trump's tariff policy in private meetings with donors.
The meetings took place in early 2025 and mid-2025, after President Trump announced new tariffs.
Cruz warned that Trump's tariffs could harm the economy and lead to political losses in future elections.
Cruz described a tense call with President Trump where they discussed the tariffs, which ended with Trump using strong language towards Cruz.
Cruz mentioned resistance within the White House to trade agreements, naming White House advisor Peter Navarro, Vance, and sometimes Trump.
Cruz tied Vice President Vance to Tucker Carlson, accusing them of sharing anti-interventionist views.
Cruz highlighted their alleged influence in personnel decisions, such as the ousting of Mike Waltz and appointment of Daniel Davis.
A Cruz spokesperson stated that Cruz is a strong ally of President Trump and fights to advance his agenda.
A Colorado woman, Haley Ivers, shared on TikTok that marrying her fiancé and taking his last name would make her name "Haley Haley." This prompted a wide reaction on TikTok about the tradition of changing last names after marriage. Ivers is considering whether to follow convention or keep her original last name.
Key Facts
Haley Ivers, a Colorado woman, shared her naming dilemma on TikTok.
Her fiancé's last name is Haley, which would make her name "Haley Haley" if she takes it.
Ivers has been known by her current last name for 30 years.
Ivers' situation has been a joke in her fiancé's family.
She expressed uncertainty about whether to follow the traditional route of changing her last name.
The TikTok video received more than 1.1 million views and a wide range of comments.
Pew Research Center found that 79% of women in opposite-sex marriages take their husband's last name.
The discussion on TikTok involved different perspectives, including cultural, feminist, and personal views.
A Republican lawmaker, Thomas Massie, spoke out against comments made by a Trump-appointed prosecutor, Bill Essayli, after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents. The incident led to debates over gun rights and law enforcement actions, with differing accounts surrounding the shooting. The situation also influenced legislative discussions about funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
Key Facts
Thomas Massie is a Republican Representative from Kentucky who defended the right to carry firearms.
Bill Essayli is a federal prosecutor who warned against approaching law enforcement with a gun.
Alex Pretti was shot by federal agents in Minneapolis; he was reportedly recording their actions during protests.
Bystander videos show a gun being taken from Pretti, who was legally carrying it, before he was shot.
The shooting led to increased tensions about gun rights and law enforcement actions.
The incident affected discussions in the Senate over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, with some Democrats opposing the current funding package.
The National Rifle Association criticized the prosecutor's warning, calling it dangerous.
An investigation into Alex Pretti's death is ongoing.
Videos of the shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis have raised questions about what happened during an incident involving federal immigration agents. Pretti, a nurse, was reportedly approached by agents during a targeted immigration operation. Conflicting accounts and video footage have led to increased scrutiny of the agents' actions.
Key Facts
Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.
The incident occurred during a targeted operation by U.S. Border Patrol agents.
Reports state Pretti approached agents while holding a cell phone.
Video footage shows conflicting evidence regarding Pretti holding a gun.
Witnesses recorded multiple agents tackling Pretti and using a chemical spray.
At least 10 gunshots were heard in videos recorded by bystanders.
DHS claims the agent who shot Pretti did so in self-defense.
The shooting has led to public scrutiny and questions about the federal operation.
A federal judge stopped the Trump administration from destroying or changing evidence related to a shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis. This decision is part of a larger conflict about state investigations of federal agents who use deadly force. The federal agents’ actions have created tension with local Minnesota officials.
Key Facts
A federal judge ordered federal agencies not to destroy or change evidence in a shooting case in Minneapolis.
The order aims to allow Minnesota to investigate the actions of federal agents.
This is the second time in a month that federal agents have stopped local police in Minnesota from investigating similar cases.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz supports the investigation and criticized federal accounts of the shooting.
The victim, Alex Pretti, was shown in videos recording agents with his phone and possibly helping a person.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed Pretti had a gun, though videos do not show this.
Pretti's family disputes federal claims, calling them false and damaging.
Local police requested a court order because they allege federal officials improperly handled evidence.
U.S. immigration agents shot and killed ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minnesota, claiming he posed a violent threat. Videos and witnesses suggest that Pretti did not pose a threat, leading to public outrage and protests.
Key Facts
U.S. immigration agents killed Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, in Minnesota.
The agents claimed Pretti was a violent threat when they shot him.
Videos and witness accounts suggest Pretti was not a threat.
This incident marks the second killing of a U.S. citizen by ICE officers in Minneapolis.
The event has caused public outrage, leading to protests.
The article discusses the incidents surrounding Alex Jeffrey Pretti's shooting in Minneapolis, where ICE officers were involved. Conflicting reports and video footage have raised questions about the conduct of federal agents. The situation has drawn significant attention amid rising tensions in the city.
Key Facts
Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an American citizen, died in a shooting involving ICE officers in Minneapolis.
Conflicting narratives exist between federal authorities and video evidence from bystanders.
Video reportedly shows Pretti with his hands visible and unarmed before the confrontation.
Concerns have been raised about the training of federal agents operating in civilian situations.
Similar concerns arose after the recent shooting of Renee Nicole Good, also in Minneapolis.
The Trump administration has made Minneapolis a focus due to issues of federal fraud and deportations.
Calls have been made by officials, including Senator Bill Cassidy, for a full investigation.
President Trump addressed the situation, indicating its significance at the national level.
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security says Pretti had a gun, but his family and some witnesses dispute this claim. Pretti was involved in protests and had concerns about the Trump administration's policies.
Key Facts
Alex Pretti was a 37-year-old intensive care nurse shot by federal agents in Minneapolis.
The Department of Homeland Security claims an agent shot Pretti in self-defense because he had a gun.
Pretti's family and some witnesses deny he was holding a gun at the time.
Pretti had joined protests after a woman was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent earlier that month.
Pretti worked at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital.
He was upset with immigration policies and environmental rollbacks by President Trump's administration.
Pretti had no criminal record, only traffic tickets, according to court records.
He legally owned a handgun and had a permit to carry it, though his family seldom saw him carry the weapon.
At least two people died from cold-related causes as a large winter storm affected much of the United States. The storm brought snow, sleet, and freezing rain, causing dangerous travel, power outages, and flight disruptions. Emergency measures were put in place by federal and local authorities to address the storm's impact.
Key Facts
Two men in Louisiana died from hypothermia due to the storm.
New York City reported five deaths during the cold weather, but causes are yet to be confirmed.
The storm affected an area stretching from New Mexico to New England, covering about 2,000 miles.
Over 213 million people were under a winter weather alert.
Power outages affected over 870,000 customers, with Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi hit hard.
More than 10,000 flights were canceled on Sunday, impacting major airports.
President Trump approved emergency declarations in at least 12 states, and federal aid was prepared to respond.
Immigrant families protested at a Texas detention center where a 5-year-old boy and his father are being held. The protest called for better treatment and conditions for detained immigrants. The boy's detention has sparked debate about immigration policies in the United States.
Key Facts
A protest took place at a Texas detention center where immigrant families are detained.
A 5-year-old boy from Ecuador and his father were detained and held at the facility.
The protestors held signs calling for freedom for the children.
Families claim they face poor conditions such as inadequate food and health care.
The situation has highlighted ongoing debates about U.S. immigration policies.
An attorney present at the protest noted that it was related to the boy's detention case.
The Department of Homeland Security did not provide a comment on the situation.
A man named Christian Joel Young is charged with several serious crimes for allegedly attacking Representative Maxwell Frost during the Sundance Film Festival. The incident happened at a bar in Park City and included racist comments and physical assault.
Key Facts
Christian Joel Young, 28, allegedly assaulted Rep. Maxwell Frost and another person at a bar.
The event took place at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City.
Young reportedly yelled racist slurs and made threats before attacking Frost.
He also physically assaulted a woman by pushing her against the bar.
Young was arrested and charged with aggravated burglary, assaulting an elected official, and simple assault.
A judge ordered that Young be held without bail because he might try to flee and is considered a danger to the community.
The Sundance Film Festival condemned the attack, emphasizing attendee safety.
Security reported Young unlawfully entered the event by jumping a fence.
A New Jersey mother shared a video of her young son having a heartfelt talk with their rescue dog, Alfie, after the dog ran away but was safely brought back. The boy calmly explained to the dog why he should not run away again, and the video gained attention online for its touching content.
Key Facts
A 3-year-old boy named Jack had a "heart-to-heart" talk with his family's rescue dog, Alfie.
Alfie ran away one night, but the family successfully brought him back home.
Jack talked to Alfie about the importance of staying at home and not running away.
The video of this conversation was shared by Jack's mom, Teresa Valente, on TikTok.
Alfie was adopted from Eleventh Hour Rescue, an organization that helps animals find homes.
Since Jack's talk, Alfie has not tried to run away again.
Research shows that children in families with dogs have better emotional and social outcomes.
An incident in Minneapolis where immigration agents shot and killed a man named Alex Pretti has led to protests and anger. Federal agents and the Trump administration claim Pretti was armed and posed a threat, while videos and other reports do not show evidence of him using a weapon. Pretti's family and Minnesota's governor dispute the federal account, calling for an accurate portrayal of events.
Key Facts
Federal immigration agents shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Pretti was a 37-year-old intensive care nurse.
Videos show Pretti was not using a weapon when agents approached him.
The Trump administration labeled Pretti as a "domestic terrorist."
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz disagrees with the federal account, calling it "nonsense and lies."
Protests in Minneapolis involved hundreds of people and saw authorities using tear gas and flashbangs.
Pretti's family described him as a kind person and expressed anger over the incident.
Federal and state authorities provide conflicting accounts of what occurred before the shooting.
Support for ending the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has grown among Republicans, rising from 15% to 19%, according to a new poll. This comes amid protests following recent shootings by immigration agents in Minnesota and concerns about ICE’s practices. A bill to abolish ICE has been introduced in Congress.
Key Facts
There is a 4% increase in Republican support for abolishing ICE, from 15% to 19%.
32 people died in ICE custody in 2025, marking its deadliest year in two decades.
Protests erupted in Minnesota after immigration agents shot and killed two people.
46% of people surveyed either strongly or somewhat support abolishing ICE.
73% of Republicans oppose abolishing ICE.
Democratic Congressman Shri Thanedar introduced a bill to dismantle ICE in Congress.
The YouGov poll surveyed 3,359 U.S. adults on January 25, 2026.
Public figures have called for investigations and voiced their support for abolishing ICE.
A U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and killed Alex Pretti, a nurse, in Minneapolis during a federal immigration operation. The agent's identity has not been made public, and multiple investigations are being conducted to examine the incident. Video evidence and differing accounts from bystanders and authorities have led to public protests and demands for accountability.
Key Facts
Alex Pretti, a nurse, was shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on January 24.
The agent involved has worked for the Border Patrol for eight years, but authorities have not released the agent's name.
DHS claims the agent fired "defensive shots" as Pretti allegedly approached with a gun and resisted disarmament.
Video footage shows discrepancies between the federal account and bystander recordings of the event.
State and local officials have initiated their own investigations and are limiting federal control over the case.
A federal judge ordered the preservation of all evidence related to the shooting.
Pretti's death follows a similar incident earlier in the same month, where another federal immigration officer fatally shot a person in Minneapolis.
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order to stop federal agencies from changing or destroying evidence related to the shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti in Minneapolis. Pretti, an ICU nurse, was shot by a federal agent, marking the second such incident in Minneapolis in the month. There is public concern and calls for federal agents to leave the city.
Key Facts
Alex Jeffrey Pretti, aged 37, was shot and killed by a federal agent in Minneapolis.
Pretti worked as an ICU nurse and legally owned a firearm.
The shooting happened amid previous tensions due to other incidents involving federal agents.
A federal judge issued a restraining order to prevent federal agencies from altering evidence related to the shooting.
The order stops federal employees and their associates from destroying evidence.
This is the third shooting in Minneapolis in 2026, with two incidents involving federal agents.
The judge involved in issuing the order is US District Judge Eric Tostrud.
John Mitnick, a former lawyer for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has called for President Donald Trump's impeachment following an incident where a U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and killed Alex Pretti during an immigration operation in Minneapolis. This situation has sparked criticism from various groups and intersects with political negotiations in Washington about DHS funding. President Trump has defended the actions of law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of DHS operations.
Key Facts
John Mitnick served as the DHS general counsel from February 2018 to September 2019.
Mitnick publicly called for the impeachment of President Trump after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
The shooting occurred during a DHS immigration operation in Minneapolis.
DHS stated the agent fired defensively after Pretti approached with a handgun and resisted.
Minneapolis police described Pretti as a lawful gun owner, but video evidence is unclear regarding the weapon.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem questioned Pretti's actions but did not confirm if he brandished a weapon.
President Trump defended the operation and blamed Minnesota leaders for hindering law enforcement efforts.
The incident has increased tensions amid discussions about DHS funding in Washington.
A video of Alex Pretti, a nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, honoring a deceased veteran has gained widespread attention online after Pretti was shot and killed by federal immigration officers. Conflicting accounts of the incident have been reported, with federal agents claiming Pretti resisted and Minnesota's governor questioning these claims. The video and Pretti's death have sparked protests and increased scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
Alex Pretti, a nurse in Minneapolis, was killed by federal immigration officers.
Pretti worked at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center in the Intensive Care Unit.
A video of Pretti honoring a deceased veteran went viral after his death.
Conflicting reports exist about the circumstances of Pretti's death.
Federal agents claim Pretti resisted, while Minnesota's governor disputes this.
The video has received over a million views, showcasing Pretti's tribute to the veteran.
The incident has led to protests and scrutiny of federal immigration practices in Minneapolis.
The video was shared by Mac Randolph, whose late father was one of Pretti's patients.
