Attorney General Pam Bondi announced federal charges against a protester who allegedly bit off a federal agent’s finger during chaotic Minneapolis demonstrations that erupted after Border Patrol agents fatally shot an ICU nurse.
Story Snapshot
- Protester arrested after allegedly biting off HSI officer’s finger during anti-ICE demonstrations in Minneapolis
- Attack occurred amid protests following Border Patrol’s fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during immigration enforcement operation
- Attorney General Bondi directing federal prosecutors to pursue charges for “heinous assault” on law enforcement
- Incident marks second deadly shooting in Minneapolis within three weeks as tensions escalate over Trump administration’s immigration crackdown
- Federal agents denied Minnesota state investigators access to crime scene despite court-issued warrant
Federal Agent Suffers Severe Injury During Violent Protest
Homeland Security Investigations officer sustained a devastating injury when a protester allegedly bit off his finger during demonstrations on January 24, 2026, according to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The attack occurred as hundreds of protesters swarmed Minneapolis streets following the fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti by Border Patrol agents. Attorney General Bondi characterized the assault as “HEINOUS” and confirmed an arrest was made. Federal prosecutors received direction to file charges against the suspect, who faces serious federal crimes for attacking law enforcement during official duties.
Watch: https://youtu.be/3Xn6xNVyS5g?si=35hLtZbM7MY6DliE
Deadly Shooting Sparks Coordinated Resistance to ICE Operations
Border Patrol agents pursued a man illegally present in the United States and wanted for domestic assault when protesters gathered with whistles, horns, and coordinated disruption tactics around 9:00 AM. Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse at Minneapolis VA hospital, stood in the street holding his phone during the operation. Federal agents attempted to disarm Pretti before a Border Patrol agent fatally shot him. DHS claims self-defense, but Governor Tim Walz disputes this account after reviewing videos, calling it “nonsense” and demanding ICE withdrawal from Minneapolis. The shooting represents the second deadly encounter between federal agents and Minneapolis civilians in three weeks.
Democratic Officials Obstruct Immigration Enforcement
Minnesota state and local officials actively oppose federal immigration operations, creating dangerous conditions for law enforcement officers. Governor Walz characterized enforcement actions as an “absolute abomination” while Mayor Jacob Frey demanded federal agent withdrawal after describing agents “pummeling one of our constituents and shooting him to death.” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty filed a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order against federal operations.
Federal Authority Clashes With State Interference
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigators arrived at the shooting scene with a judge-signed warrant but federal authorities denied them access, maintaining control over evidence and the crime scene. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche blamed Democratic leadership for “this avoidable tragedy,” highlighting how state officials’ rhetoric against immigration enforcement creates hostile environments for federal operations. The Department of Justice continues investigating the shooting while federal prosecutors prepare charges against the protester who allegedly attacked the HSI officer.
Pattern of Organized Attacks on Law Enforcement
The finger-biting assault represents part of coordinated anti-ICE activism targeting federal immigration operations across Minneapolis. On January 22, 2026, federal authorities arrested Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Allen, and William Kelly for an alleged coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, charged under the FACE Act prohibiting interference with religious exercise. These arrests demonstrate how organized resistance movements employ aggressive tactics to obstruct lawful immigration enforcement. The January 7 shooting of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen, established a troubling precedent for deadly encounters during Minneapolis operations, creating heightened tensions that Democratic officials have exploited rather than calmed.
Sources:
CBS News Minnesota: Reported shooting involving federal agents and protesters in south Minneapolis
Fox News: Husband of alleged Minnesota church invasion organizer dismisses DOJ prosecution
