WASHINGTON D.C January 24, 2026 – In a pointed social media post, New Mexico Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury condemned the Trump administration following the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man by federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday, describing it as emblematic of a “lawless” approach to immigration enforcement.
“Today, federal agents shot and killed a man in Minneapolis in plain sight. This is why we are fighting back against this lawless administration. It has to stop!” Stansbury wrote on X, formerly Twitter. She added, “Millions are asking us to do something while our colleagues are standing in the way of basic accountability. This is what that looks like. We must stand for the people and their rights, freedom, and safety!”
Attached to the post was a video clip from a recent congressional hearing on immigration policies, where Stansbury highlighted fears among her constituents in New Mexico. In the footage, she described interactions with community members worried about child abductions and family separations amid heightened deportation efforts. The clip also captured a tense exchange where a male speaker accused critics of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” dismissing concerns as politically motivated rather than substantive.
The shooting occurred during an immigration operation in south Minneapolis, where federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confronted Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen. According to DHS statements, Pretti was armed with a 9mm handgun and resisted arrest, prompting agents to fire in self-defense. Eyewitness video circulating online shows a struggle in a snowy street, with agents surrounding Pretti before shots are fired. A woman in pink clothing appears to be recording the incident from nearby.
This marks the second fatal shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis this month, amid a surge in immigration enforcement actions under the new administration. The incident sparked immediate protests, drawing hundreds to the scene and leading to clashes with law enforcement. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the federal involvement, stating, “Minnesota has had it” with such operations and calling for greater transparency.
Pretti’s parents identified him as the victim, emphasizing his role as a healthcare worker and questioning the necessity of lethal force. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) reported that federal authorities denied access to the shooting scene, complicating local investigations.
Stansbury’s post quickly garnered thousands of interactions, with supporters praising her stance on accountability and critics accusing her of exploiting the tragedy for political gain. One reply from former Trump advisor Stephen Miller called the victim an “assassin” who tried to murder agents. Others, like conservative commentator Gunther Eagleman, dismissed her claims as inflammatory.
The event has reignited debates over immigration enforcement tactics, with Democrats like Stansbury arguing they endanger communities and Republicans defending them as necessary for border security. As protests continue, federal officials have promised a full review, though details remain limited.
This story is developing. Life News Agency will provide updates as more information becomes available.
About The Author
