“NOW: Protesters barricading the roadway — federal agents currently unable to leave the scene following an ICE involved shooting” captures a tense, ongoing escalation in south Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.

This incident stems from a fatal shooting earlier that day involving federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, part of a broader wave of immigration enforcement operations and resulting protests in the city.

The Shooting Incident
Federal agents, including those from ICE and reportedly Customs and Border Protection (CBP), fatally shot a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident identified as Alex Pretti. Authorities stated the man suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at a hospital after the encounter in the Whittier neighborhood, near intersections such as 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue or Blaisdell. This marks at least the third reported fatal shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis in recent weeks amid heightened immigration crackdowns under Operation Metro Surge, which has targeted undocumented individuals but also affected U.S. citizens in some cases.
Details on the exact circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation by local police and federal authorities. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the response to the scene shortly after the incident around 9 a.m. Central Time, with heavy law enforcement presence leading to street closures.
Protester Response and Barricades
In the hours following the shooting, crowds gathered at the scene, expressing outrage over what demonstrators described as excessive force during immigration-related arrests. Protesters quickly escalated by erecting barricades using dumpsters, debris, and other objects to block roadways, particularly around key intersections like 26th and Blaisdell.
Social media reports and videos from the ground show protesters physically preventing federal agents from departing the area. One widely shared clip depicts dumpsters moved into the street, with crowds holding the line while agents reportedly deployed chemical irritants (such as tear gas or pepper balls), flashbangs, and other crowd-control measures to clear paths. Fire department units attempting to respond to related incidents, including a dumpster fire, faced obstructions from both barricades and thrown objects.
Accounts describe federal agents as “trapped” at the scene, unable to leave due to the blockades, with dispersal orders issued and multiple arrests reported. Tensions flared as protesters accused agents of escalation, while some observers noted objects being thrown at officers.
This standoff echoes prior incidents in Minneapolis, including the fatal shooting of Renee Good earlier in January, which sparked nationwide protests, vigils, and criticisms of federal tactics. Those events led to accusations that ICE vehicles blocked emergency access and delayed medical aid.

Broader Context
The episode occurs against the backdrop of intensified federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota and other areas, with thousands of arrests reported in recent weeks. Governor Tim Walz and local officials have repeatedly called for calm and transparency, while criticizing what they describe as chaotic federal operations. Protests have included blockades of ICE facilities, such as at Fort Snelling, and confrontations involving less-lethal munitions.
As of late January 24, 2026, the scene remains fluid, with ongoing arrests, chemical irritant use, and efforts to clear barricades. Investigations into the shooting continue, and no official statements have fully resolved questions about the sequence of events or the identities involved.
This developing situation highlights deep divisions over immigration policy, federal authority, and public safety in urban areas amid nationwide enforcement surges. Authorities urge the public to avoid the area, and further updates are expected from Minneapolis police, federal agencies, and state officials.