Air Force veteran highlights Alex Pretti’s compassionate care after surgery.

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Sonny Fouts, expressed profound sorrow following the tragic death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The incident occurred on January 25, 2026, and has raised significant concerns about the actions and justifications of federal law enforcement.

Fouts, 71, who recently underwent a nine-hour surgical procedure to repair a descending aortic aneurysm, vividly recalled the care Pretti provided him during a critical time in his recovery. Following the surgery, which was necessary to address a potentially life-threatening condition involving a bulge in the artery that supplies blood from the heart to the body, Fouts was under Pretti’s attentive watch. The veteran described Pretti’s compassion and dedication, saying that the nurse not only helped him cope with physical discomfort but also provided emotional support to his partner, Kimberly Fouts.

The veteran’s distress over Pretti’s death has been compounded by the media coverage surrounding the event. Reports indicate that Pretti was shot during a confrontation with ICE agents while he was filming the incident and attempting to protect another individual. Eyewitness accounts and videos suggest that several agents surrounded Pretti before he was forcibly restrained. During the struggle, Pretti was reportedly shot three times in the back while already subdued on the ground, with further shots fired into his lifeless body.

While the federal government has attempted to frame Pretti as a threat during the encounter, numerous witnesses challenge this narrative, sparking outrage and calls for accountability regarding the actions of ICE. The videos of the incident have circulated widely, raising questions about the use of lethal force in situations that might not warrant such a response.

Sonny Fouts articulated his grief over losing someone who brought him comfort during his recovery and reflected on the broader implications of Pretti’s death. The story of Alex Pretti serves as a tragic reminder of the complexities and tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States. As investigations into the circumstances of his death continue, the need for transparency and accountability within federal law enforcement remains at the forefront of public discourse. The case underscores the deep emotional impact experienced not only by those directly involved but by the community at large, as individuals grapple with the pressing issues of safety and justice in society today.

With News Wire Services.