Minneapolis – The parents of Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old ICU nurse who was shot and killed by immigration enforcement agents in January, are pressing the Trump administration for answers. In a July letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche, the Pretti family’s attorney says the Department of Justice has provided no substantive updates on the investigation and has refused to share key evidence.

Family’s letter accuses DOJ of unlawful conduct

The letter, signed by Michael and Susan Pretti, describes the DOJ’s silence as “cruel” and “unconscionable.” It notes that on July 13 the family met with U.S. Attorney Dan Rosen for the District of Minnesota, the same day Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced that federal officials had handed over volumes of evidence. Despite that public acknowledgment, Rosen allegedly declined to confirm the evidence‑sharing agreement and refused to provide any details.

“It is impossible to convey how the government’s refusal to engage in transparent communication with the Pretti family has compounded their heartbreak,” the letter reads. The family says Rosen answered only, “I can’t tell you for all kinds of reasons,” without offering any explanation.

Trump administration’s immigration enforcement under scrutiny

The Pretti shooting occurred amid the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration enforcement campaign, which has seen a series of high‑profile incidents in Minneapolis, including the fatal shootings of Renee Good and the non‑fatal shooting of Julio Sosa‑Celis during Operation Metro Surge. While the administration emphasizes the need to protect communities from illegal immigration, critics argue that the aggressive tactics have led to unnecessary loss of life.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller previously called Pretti an “assassin” who tried to murder federal agents, and former DHS secretary Kristi Noem described him as a “terrorist” who brandished a weapon. Video of the encounter, however, shows a chaotic scene in which Pretti attempted to intervene in a scuffle, was pepper‑sprayed, and was subsequently shot multiple times after agents shouted, “Gun! Gun! Gun!”

Legal battle over evidence continues

State and local investigators have sued the Trump administration to obtain the evidence. After an evidence‑sharing agreement was finalized in June, Hennepin County prosecutors received a large volume of material. Weeks later, the DOJ abruptly halted further sharing, leaving local prosecutors without access to crucial items such as the weapons used and the firearm Pretti carried.

According to court records filed on Oct. 13, the DOJ’s change of course has impeded the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s ability to conduct a thorough investigation, despite a court order from a state judge that allowed the bureau to access the scene.

Family’s demands and upcoming press conference

The Pretti family’s letter asks the DOJ to identify the federal employees who fired, to commit to ongoing information sharing with state and local investigators, to confirm whether the FBI continues its investigation, and to return any personal property no longer needed for evidence.

“No family should have to beg the U.S. government to do its job,” the letter states. “And no government should act with such caprice.” The family and their attorney plan to address the media in a news conference on Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. CT, their first public appearance since Pretti’s death.

While the Trump administration has faced criticism for its immigration enforcement tactics, supporters argue that strong border security is essential to protect American families and uphold the rule of law. The Pretti case highlights the tension between vigorous enforcement and the need for transparency and accountability in federal investigations.

Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.