A federal law enforcement officer lost a finger during violent unrest in Minneapolis after being attacked by an anti-ICE agitator amid a chaotic confrontation following a fatal shooting involving federal agents.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the incident occurred on Saturday as hundreds of protesters and agitators descended on South Minneapolis.
Rioters took to the streets after anti-ICE activist Alex Pretti, 37, was shot and killed during an immigration enforcement operation.
Authorities say the operation targeted an illegal alien wanted in connection with a violent assault.
According to DHS, Pretti intervened as agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection attempted to make an arrest.
Video from the scene shows a physical struggle unfolding moments before a gunshot is heard.
Agents then opened fire.
Emergency responders rendered aid, but Pretti was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
The shooting remains under investigation.
Looks like the deceased fired first https://t.co/YsOoSf9Uti
— Scott Greer 6’2” IQ 187 (@ScottMGreer) January 24, 2026
In the aftermath, a large crowd gathered near the scene, including individuals identified by authorities as agitators and Antifa-aligned militants.
Fires were set and makeshift barricades erected as a small group of Minneapolis police officers and federal agents were forced to pull back.
During the unrest, a Homeland Security Investigations agent was violently assaulted.
Officials say an agitator lunged at the agent and bit down on his finger, severing it completely.
The officer was transported to a local hospital, where doctors attempted to reattach the digit.
DHS later confirmed the agent will lose his finger.
“In Minneapolis, these rioters attacked our law enforcement officer and one of them bit off our HSI officer’s finger,” DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin wrote in a post on X.
“He will lose the finger.”
At least two individuals were taken into custody in connection with the violence.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that the suspect accused of biting the agent has been arrested and that federal prosecutors have been directed to pursue charges.
“The suspect who allegedly bit the finger off of an HSI agent in Minnesota today has been arrested and is in custody,” Bondi said.
“I have directed my federal prosecutors to file charges for this heinous assault on our brave law enforcement officer.”
DHS said additional suspects may face charges as investigators continue to review evidence from the broader confrontation.
This is starting to remind of CHOP/CHAZ in Seattle of 2020 , several blocks barricaded by protesters with no signs of slowing down @DailyCaller pic.twitter.com/6nfzMXPVi8
— Jorge Ventura Media (@VenturaReport) January 25, 2026
The unrest comes as the Trump administration continues to expand its federal enforcement presence in the region. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Minnesota earlier this month as approximately 2,000 additional federal agents were deployed to support Operation Metro Surge, an immigration enforcement effort targeting criminal networks, including human traffickers and drug cartels.
The surge has resulted in thousands of arrests, according to the administration, which has described the operation as the largest targeted immigration enforcement effort in U.S. history.
By Saturday evening, units of the Minnesota National Guard had been deployed to help secure the Whipple federal building, with additional units staged nearby.
President Donald Trump has said he is prepared to invoke the Insurrection Act if violence continues, a move that would grant the federal government expanded authority to restore order amid ongoing unrest.
READ MORE – Minnesota Leftists Give Donations for ‘Weapons’ to Kill ICE Agents
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