Hegseth posts ‘How To Avoid ICE' meme after armed agitator killed during Minneapolis operation

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth posted a “How To” graphic on how to avoid Immigration and Customs Enforcement, following the fatal shooting of an armed anti-ICE agitator during a federal operation in Minneapolis over the weekend.

The graphic, shared after the shooting, listed three steps: “1. Don’t be here illegally. 2. Don’t attack I.C.E. officers. 3. Obey federal and state laws.” It was accompanied by a cartoon-style sketch of an ICE officer carrying documents and wearing a gun holster.

The post came as new details emerged about Saturday morning’s deadly confrontation, which occurred during a targeted enforcement operation by US Border Patrol agents. Authorities said the operation was aimed at arresting Jose Huerta Chuma, an illegal immigrant with a criminal history that includes domestic assault, disorderly conduct, and driving without a valid license.

Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino said the situation escalated when 37-year-old Alex Pretti approached agents during the arrest. According to Bovino, Pretti was armed with a nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun and two loaded magazines.

“During this operation, an individual approached US Border Patrol agents with a nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun. The agents attempted to disarm the individual, but he violently resisted,” Bovino said at a press conference. “Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, a Border Patrol agent fired defensive shots. Medics on the scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject, but the subject was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect also had two loaded magazines and no accessible ID. This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.”

Video recorded before the shooting shows Pretti walking along the street while filming the ICE operation on his cellphone. Footage then captures a federal agent pushing a bystander to the ground, with Pretti stepping in while still holding his phone. Agents deployed pepper spray before several officers tackled him. Moments later, gunfire is heard, with at least ten shots fired.

Officers can be heard shouting that Pretti had a gun as he was being restrained. Bovino said the Border Patrol agent who fired the shots has served for eight years. He also stated that approximately 200 rioters arrived at the scene after the shooting and began obstructing and assaulting law enforcement officers.

“About 200 rioters arrived at the scene and began to obstruct and assault law enforcement. Crowd control measures have been deployed for the safety of the public and law enforcement. This situation is evolving, and more information is forthcoming. The officer was highly trained and had been serving as a border patrol agent for eight years,” Bovino said.