Key points: Sources told CNN that federal immigration officers in Minneapolis were instructed to collect images, license plates and personal information on protesters, and that agents had documented details about Alex Pretti before he was fatally shot. About a week earlier, Pretti reportedly suffered a broken rib after being tackled by federal officers while protesting an attempted detention. It remains unclear whether his name was entered on the new intake form or whether officers who confronted him later recognized him. DHS denies maintaining a database of "domestic terrorists," and federal agencies say investigations into related threats and communications are ongoing.
Federal Agents Had Documented Information on Alex Pretti Before He Was Fatally Shot, Sources Say
Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot during an encounter with federal agents in Minneapolis. - Michael Pretti via AP
Federal immigration officers in Minneapolis had been collecting personal information on protesters and agitators, and records indicate they had documented details about Alex Pretti before he was fatally shot, sources told CNN.
It remains unclear how Pretti first drew federal attention. Sources say that about a week before his death he sustained a broken rib after a group of federal officers tackled him while he protested what he described as officers attempting to detain a family. Records reviewed by CNN indicate he later received medication consistent with treatment for a rib injury.
A memo circulated earlier this month to agents temporarily assigned to Minneapolis instructed them to "capture all images, license plates, identifications, and general information on hotels, agitators, protestors, etc., so we can capture it all in one consolidated form," according to correspondence reviewed by CNN. The memo directed use of a form titled "intel collection non-arrests," which allows agents to record personal details about protesters and agitators they encounter.
What Is Known—and What Remains Unclear
Sources told CNN that Pretti stopped his car after seeing ICE agents pursue what he described as a family on foot; he said he blew a whistle and shouted to attract attention. The source said five agents tackled Pretti and one put pressure on his back, leaving him with a broken rib; agents reportedly released him at the scene. It is not clear whether the intake form was used to record Pretti's name or whether the officers who confronted him on the day he was shot recognized him from that earlier encounter.
People gather around a makeshift memorial at the site where Alex Pretti was fatally shot in Minneapolis. - Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
During the later encounter that resulted in Pretti's death, officers wrestled him to the ground, removed a firearm from his waistband and then fatally shot him. Federal authorities have not confirmed whether the agents involved previously knew Pretti.
Agency Responses and Wider Context
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has said it monitors and investigates threats, assaults and obstruction of officers, and has denied operating a database of "domestic terrorists." DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told CNN there is "NO database of 'domestic terrorists' run by DHS," while noting the department refers threats and assaults to appropriate law enforcement.
Some former Trump administration officials have publicly advocated creating databases of protesters alleged to interfere with operations. Tom Homan, a former federal official, told Fox News he was pushing to publicize the identities of people arrested for impeding federal agents.
Federal authorities have also said they are investigating anti-ICE activity they say crossed into violence. CNN reported that the FBI is probing Signal group chats used by observers to share information on ICE operations. Separately, DHS announced an investigation into a U.S. citizen who allegedly tried to purchase a firearm twice and made statements about harming ICE agents.
Note: Many details about Pretti's prior encounters with federal agents and whether his information was recorded on the Minneapolis intake form remain unconfirmed. DHS did not answer questions about the earlier encounter or the scope of information-collection efforts.
CNN's Isabelle Chapman contributed to this report.
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