Podcast Summary: Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace
Episode: “Remembering Alex Pretti”
Date: January 26, 2026

Overview

The episode provides an in-depth look at the killing of Alex Preddy, an ICU nurse and Minneapolis resident, who was shot multiple times by ICE agents during a demonstration. Host Nicolle Wallace, alongside journalists, legal analysts, community members, and union leaders, investigates the facts of the case, the administration’s response, public backlash, the legal battle around federal operations in Minneapolis, and the personal legacy of Alex Preddy. The episode explores themes of government overreach, the culture of protest and resistance in Minneapolis, trauma and community resilience, and the continuing national debate over immigration law enforcement.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Killing of Alex Preddy: Establishing the Facts

• Incident Recap (00:52–03:08)
  • Wallace details the fatal shooting: Preddy intervened when a woman was pepper sprayed by an ICE agent; he was subsequently pepper sprayed, tackled, restrained, and then shot multiple times.
  • Video evidence shows Preddy did not brandish his legally carried firearm.
  • Contradictory statements by Trump administration officials, specifically labeling Preddy a "domestic terrorist."
• Quotes:
  • "Donald Trump and his cabinet... are demanding once again that you not believe your eyes and ears... Americans in large numbers today are choosing to reject Donald Trump's lies and... a smear campaign..." – Nicolle Wallace (00:52)
  • "Not a single shred of video evidence shows him drawing his gun..." – Nicolle Wallace (02:05)

2. Administration and Legal Response

• DHS Official Defense (03:08)
  • ICE’s stance: Preddy "assaulted officers" and posed a violent threat by arriving armed, a claim not substantiated by on-scene video.
• Local Challenge and Legal Action (05:14–07:09)
  • Minnesota moves to court to halt ICE operations in Minneapolis.
  • AG Pam Bondi’s letter demanding voter rolls in exchange for rolling back ICE—seen as coercive.
• Community Reaction (07:09–11:57)
  • Mass community turnout to protest, defy fear, and show solidarity.
  • Emotional testimony from Greg Ketter (citizen, 70).
• Notable Quote:
  • "There are a lot more of us than there are of them... We disagree and we should be able to disagree, but we should be able to disagree with, with, I don't know, with some respect for each other. And there's just none of that left." – Greg Ketter (10:13)

3. Community and Historical Context

• Why Minneapolis Rises Up (11:57–15:24)
  • Michelle Norris (Senior Editor, Minneapolis native) attributes the city's resilience and protest culture to deep roots in humanitarian, union, and First Nations history.
  • Protest is now routine—a fabric woven into daily life amid ongoing state-sanctioned violence.
• Bearing Witness as Civic Duty (15:24–19:33)
  • Importance of community documentation for accountability, led by encouragement from state officials.
  • The trauma of continual exposure to violence and the need to preserve evidence for future investigation and justice.

4. Broader Legal and Political Repercussions

• Federal vs. State Tensions (22:08–26:03)
  • A federal judge hears arguments on pausing ICE operations.
  • Political signals suggest possible de-escalation, but skepticism remains.
• Democracy and Accountability (26:03–27:15)
  • Critics highlight the discrepancy between state policing (which recovered hundreds of guns in a year without fatal shootings) and federal enforcement (two deadly shootings in under three weeks).

5. The Legacy and Humanity of Alex Preddy

• Remembering Alex Preddy (33:10–36:24)
  • Tributes highlight his compassion, professional integrity, and bravery—both in the hospital and on the streets.
  • Social media and colleagues testify to Preddy’s character, mentorship, and dedication.
• Quote from Preddy’s Parents:
  • "Alex was a kind-hearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Hospital. The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting." (05:14)
• From the Nursing Community: (35:44–41:38)
  • Mary Turner, President, National Nurses United, calls for nationwide vigils, not a strike, and urges the public to demand Congress cut ICE funding.
  • "An injury to one is an injury to all 3 million nurses across this country... That's how much it means when something like this happens to one of our own." – Mary Turner (36:49)
  • Nurses' ethos: instinct to protect and defend others, inside and outside the hospital.

6. Policy and Leadership Changes

• Possible Withdrawal and Leadership Change (41:40–47:05)
  • Reporting of imminent departure of ICE/Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino from Minnesota after judicial injunctions and public criticism.
  • Ongoing uncertainty as to whether this signals a change in tactics or simply a swap of personnel.
  • Discussion of Tom Homan’s controversial history and whether he’ll de-escalate or continue aggressive practices.
• Community Anxiety
  • Even if leadership changes, fear remains about policy continuity and future federal actions.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• "I'm ashamed. I'm ashamed of all of this. This is not my America." – Greg Ketter (09:11)
• "What makes the people that are doing this even more extraordinary is that they're not fearless. They are afraid. And they're still showing up." – Michelle Norris (13:12)
• "It is important to remember the value of documenting injustice. We show up for the people who need us to bear witness because it can't just be one group of people bearing the brunt of their tyranny. This is a struggle to protect our freedom and democracy." – Affidavit from witness (15:24)
• "These are protesters who are peaceful. They are not assassins... people can see that government officials are lying to them and that this force is beyond excessive." – Kristi Greenberg, legal analyst (27:15)
• "May we never forget and always remember our brothers and sisters who have served so that we may enjoy the gift of freedom... In this solemn hour, we render our honor and our gratitude." – Alex Preddy, in memorial video (33:10)
• "He was just doing like what every nurse does, care for the patients and care for the people. And that's what he was doing when he was murdered." – Mary Turner, National Nurses United (35:44)

Important Timestamps

• 00:52 – Nicolle Wallace lays out the facts & Trump admin’s response.
• 03:08 – Legal analyst's rebuttal of protester’s right to carry arms.
• 05:14 – Preddy’s parents’ statement read on air.
• 07:09–11:57 – Community reaction on the street; Greg Ketter’s testimony.
• 13:12 – Michelle Norris on fear, resistance, and the Minneapolis spirit.
• 15:24 – Sworn affidavit from a witness.
• 19:33 – Discussion of documentation and “bearing witness.”
• 22:08 – Legal update on ICE suspension hearing.
• 26:23 – Minneapolis Police Chief on local-federal contrasts; community fed up with shootings.
• 30:24 – Legal analyst on the administration’s "hidden agenda."
• 33:10–36:24 – Memorials, tributes, and stories about Alex Preddy; call to action by nurses.
• 41:40–47:05 – Breaking news: Changing federal leadership, community skepticism, search for stabilization.

Tone and Language

Throughout the episode, the tone is somber, urgent, and at times deeply emotional, reflecting both grief and anger at the loss of Alex Preddy, outrage at federal overreach, and pride in the community’s resilience. Guests and the host speak candidly, at times with exasperation, but are consistently fact-based and focused on accountability. The language blends analysis, journalism, and personal testimony, giving the episode both depth and immediacy.

Conclusion

This episode offers a comprehensive portrait of a city in mourning, a community in resistance, and a nation at a crossroads. It honors the legacy of Alex Preddy as a nurse and citizen, examines the larger implications of militarized immigration enforcement, and underscores the imperative of bearing witness, organizing, and demanding change. The show closes with anticipation for ongoing developments, new leadership in federal operations, and a commitment to remembering and defending the values illustrated by Alex Preddy’s life and death.