Federal Judge Orders ICE, DHS Not to Destroy Evidence in Fatal Shooting This Weekend

37-year-old Alex Pretti was killed by an ICE agent Saturday morning.

Minneapolis, MN – A federal judge has ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security not to destroy or alter any evidence connected to the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti.

The order comes in response to a temporary restraining request filed by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Ellison said during a Sunday press conference that if federal officials defy the judge’s order, the state will pursue additional legal action.

Minneapolis police had asked the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to investigate the shooting. The BCA says it obtained a search warrant for the scene, but federal agents blocked its investigators from entering the area.

Pretti, a Minneapolis resident, was shot and killed by federal agents Saturday morning near the intersection of Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street. In the wake of his death, Minnesota leaders sounded alarms about federal agents violating Minnesota law while they carry out Operation Metro Surge.

On Sunday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the shooting, saying the agents feared for their lives and that her office would lead the investigation of their use of force. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called for ICE agents to leave Minnesota, saying the federal agents are violating the civil rights of Minnesotans.