By Micah Jonah
February 3, 2026
A United States federal judge has dissolved a court order that barred the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from destroying evidence linked to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents, while Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem announced plans to deploy body-worn cameras for DHS officers nationwide.
U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud, sitting in Saint Paul, Minnesota, ruled that the temporary restraining order issued on January 24 was no longer necessary, saying there was insufficient indication that federal investigators would tamper with or destroy evidence related to the case. The order had been issued following claims by state and local authorities that federal officials were obstructing their investigation into the shooting.
Although the judge expressed concern over what he described as “troubling” public statements by officials in President Donald Trump’s administration, including early characterizations of Pretti as a terrorist, he held that such remarks did not justify maintaining the court order. He noted that federal law enforcement agencies are already legally bound to preserve evidence, particularly in light of a possible excessive force lawsuit.
The case has highlighted rare tensions between federal authorities and Minnesota state officials. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office had filed suit to gain access to evidence, arguing that federal agents conducted a rushed investigation and prematurely cleared themselves of wrongdoing.
Separately, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the department was immediately deploying body-worn cameras for all DHS officers operating in Minneapolis, with plans to expand the initiative nationwide as funding permits. President Trump, reacting to the move, said body cameras are generally beneficial for law enforcement because they help establish factual accounts of incidents.
Court filings indicate that officers involved in the Pretti shooting were already wearing body cameras and that the footage is being preserved. Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was shot during protests against an immigration enforcement operation after an encounter with federal agents. Video evidence circulating publicly appeared to show that he was holding only a mobile phone before he was restrained and shot.
The U.S. Justice Department has since opened a civil rights investigation into the incident, which could lead to criminal charges, though officials acknowledge that such cases face a high legal threshold.
Pretti’s death marked the second killing of a U.S. citizen by federal agents during protests linked to the administration’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota, further intensifying scrutiny of the operation and allegations of racial profiling and constitutional rights violations.
