A GoFundMe campaign for Alex Jeffrey Pretti has skyrocketed to $152,364 in just four hours after he was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent on Saturday.
Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and Illinois native, died following a violent confrontation with federal agents during an ongoing immigration operation.
The shooting has sparked intense controversy, with Pretti being hailed as an “American hero” by those who witnessed the incident.
Videos appearing to show the confrontation have emerged on social media, with many claiming Pretti was trying to “protect a woman” before he was shot.
The Department of Homeland Security alleged that Pretti “approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun.”
However, the AFGE Professional Local 3669, which represents Pretti, stated that available video does not clearly establish the claim that he was brandishing a weapon.
The GoFundMe page describes the event in stark terms: “On January 24, 2026, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a Minneapolis resident and American citizen was executed on the streets of Minneapolis by ICE agents.”
The fundraiser aims to support Pretti’s loved ones, with a backup plan to donate to the Immigrant Defense Project if next-of-kin cannot be verified.
The public reaction on the fundraising page has been overwhelming, with donors leaving emotional messages.
Jessica wrote: “You were executed in broad daylight for standing up for a fellow human. May your name never be forgotten and may your sacrifice be the catalyst to a movement that would make you and all other victims of this disgusting regime proud.”
Lisa added her brief tribute: “The world lost a true hero today.”
Lucy shared her heartbreak: “I am so horrified and I am so sorry Alex’s life was taken in such an evil way when he only wanted to do good, to help! If I weren’t on GFM fighting an eviction, I would donate much more. R.I.P Alex!”
Colleen, identifying herself as a nurse, provided a witness-style account: “As a nurse I saw Alex go and help another human before they went up to him. That’s what we do as nurses, is help people. They grabbed him and then saw a gun and decided we will show you. This is all a distraction to the files and to make us as Americans as poor and limited as we can be. Rest easy Alex we will continue to keep the peace and try to keep our democracy.”
Paloma also shared a professional bond, writing: “From one nurse to another nurse’s family.”
In Chicago, the news has prompted immediate political backlash from top leaders.
Mayor Brandon Johnson called for ICE to be abolished, stating, “When they come for one of us, they come for all of us.”
Governor JB Pritzker joined the call to stop funding for the agency, describing the federal presence as “lawlessness being inflicted in our states.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has lashed out at President Trump and Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino, demanding federal agents leave the state.
President Trump defended the actions of the agents on social media, posting a photo of a handgun and writing, “LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB!”
Records show that Pretti was a U.S. citizen and a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry.
This incident marks the third shooting in Minnesota during this immigration operation, following the death of Renee Nicole Good earlier this month.
Protesters are currently gathering in Logan Square on Chicago’s Northwest Side to demand federal accountability.
