Trump Shares Video Showing Earlier Violent Confrontation Between Pretti and Federal Agents

The newly published video is from a Jan. 13 incident in which Alex Pretti, who was shot by federal agents in a later clash, behaves violently toward agents.

Alex Pretti (L) scuffles with federal immigration officers in Minneapolis on Jan. 13, 2026, in a still from video. Max Shapiro via AP

President Donald Trump on Jan. 28 shared newly released video footage showing Alex Pretti in a violent confrontation with federal agents in Minneapolis 11 days before he was fatally shot during a separate immigration enforcement operation, amid ongoing political and public scrutiny of the shooting.

The video, shared by Trump on his Truth Social platform, was published on Jan. 28 by digital outlet The News Movement and was filmed several miles from the location where Pretti was involved in a separate violent encounter with federal agents on Jan. 24, during which he was fatally shot.

Representatives for Pretti’s family confirmed to multiple media outlets that the man depicted in the Jan. 13 video is Pretti.

A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told The Epoch Times’ sister media outlet NTD that the footage is under review.

The Epoch Times reached out to Steve Schleicher, attorney for the Pretti family, for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.

Trump offered no comment in his post on the newly emerged video. He previously said that his administration would thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the shooting, which has sparked intense scrutiny and divided opinions, with some saying agents were justified in using lethal force and others arguing they were not.

“We’re looking, we’re reviewing everything, and will come out with a determination,” Trump told The Wall Street Journal in a Jan. 25 interview.

A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokesperson told The Epoch Times that two federal agents involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, describing it as “standard protocol.”

When asked about the latest footage and Pretti’s killing, border czar Tom Homan told reporters at a Jan. 29 press conference that he would not comment on the specifics and wanted the “investigation to play out and see where it goes.”

Homan then cited Trump telling him that he doesn’t want to see anyone die, adding that he says “a prayer every night that everybody goes home safe.”

“I have buried Border Patrol agents, and I’ve buried ICE agents throughout my career, and the saddest thing I’ve ever done is hand a folded flag to a wife or a child,” Homan said. “I don’t want to see anybody die, even the people we’re looking for.”

He also clarified that the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operation prioritizes criminal illegal aliens—those who have committed serious crimes—but added that anyone who entered the United States illegally is “never off the table” because if they were, it would send the wrong message, one that encourages illegal border crossings.

Video Shows Physical Clash With Agents

The Jan. 13 footage shows Pretti approaching a government SUV during what appears to be a protest involving federal immigration officers. Wearing a brown hat, brown jacket, light-colored hoodie, and tan pants—clothing similar to what he wore on the day of his death—Pretti is seen shouting at agents inside the vehicle.

Pretti appears to spit toward the vehicle, strike it with his feet, and kick the SUV’s taillight, which breaks as the agents attempt to drive away. The vehicle then stops, and multiple agents exit and tackle Pretti to the ground in front of shouting bystanders.

The physical encounter lasts only a few seconds. Pretti then gets back on his feet as agents step away and deploy what appears to be a smoke or chemical irritant before driving off. Car horns can be heard blaring in the background, and a bystander later asks Pretti if he is “OK,” to which he responds affirmatively.

The footage also appears to show a handgun tucked into Pretti’s waistband, though it is unclear whether agents noticed or addressed the firearm during the encounter. The video does not show agents disarming or detaining him.

Additional video from another angle shared on social media shows agents surrounding Pretti on the ground before he regains his footing.

It remains unclear what occurred immediately before or after the recorded incident.

Fatal Shooting Under Investigation

Pretti was shot and killed on Jan. 24 as U.S. Border Patrol agents conducted what DHS described as a targeted operation to arrest an illegal immigrant wanted for “violent assault” in Minneapolis.

DHS said Pretti approached officers while armed with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun, had no identification, and was carrying two additional magazines. According to the agency, officers attempted to disarm him, but he “violently resisted,” prompting an agent to fire “defensive shots” out of fear for his life and the safety of other officers.

Medics provided medical aid, but Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene.

Videos from the Jan. 24 encounter circulating on social media appear to show Pretti holding an object as he struggles with agents. His family has said the object was a cellphone, not a firearm, and that his left hand was raised.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit to carry under Minnesota law.

Other footage appears to show an agent removing a firearm from Pretti’s waist moments before the fatal shots were fired. Federal officials have said investigators are reviewing all video evidence, forensic findings, and witness accounts.

Political Fallout and Broader Enforcement Push

The release of the Jan. 13 video comes amid ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and heightened tensions in Minneapolis following two fatal shootings involving federal agents this month.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has said investigators will review all evidence before reaching conclusions, while Border Patrol officials have defended the operation and accused Pretti of actively impeding law enforcement.

Trump has rejected calls from Democratic lawmakers to remove Noem and said his administration will announce the findings of its review in due course. He has also reiterated his demands that state and local officials in Minnesota fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has said that Trump will not retreat from his demands for strict immigration enforcement in Minnesota, pressing state and city leaders to fully cooperate with federal authorities and laying out the president’s strategy to bring back law and order following unrest in Minneapolis.

FBI Director Kash Patel has confirmed that the bureau is investigating groups allegedly organizing the anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis. Patel said that peaceful protests are legal, but rioting is not, and that violent interference with law enforcement operations will not be tolerated.