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False CNN Report About ICE Agent Verdict Debunked
A widely circulated social media post claiming CNN reported that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent was found “not guilty” in the death of Minnesota nurse Alex Pretti has been conclusively debunked. The fabricated news story, which spread on X (formerly Twitter) on February 15, 2026, contained a manipulated image bearing CNN’s logo and breaking news graphics.
The falsified post claimed: “BREAKING: The ICE Agent who claimed ‘self-defense’ against a fully-armed male nurse in Minnesota, has been found NOT-GUILTY in a Minneapolis court this morning.” It further alleged the agent “un-alived a male nurse that brought guns and ammo to a ‘peaceful’ protest.”
When contacted by fact-checkers, CNN’s Senior Vice President of Communications Emily Kuhn explicitly refuted the claim, stating: “It is a false and misleading graphic. CNN did not report what the manipulated image says.” Kuhn clarified that the deception involved “placing a CNN logo on something not produced or verified from CNN.”
A comprehensive search across CNN’s website yielded no such reporting, and further investigation confirmed that no trial has yet taken place in connection with Pretti’s death.
The fabricated story appears to be part of a broader pattern of misinformation surrounding the January 24 shooting. Investigative outlet ProPublica identified Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez as the federal agents involved in the incident, based on government records.
Extensive searches through federal court databases, including the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, CourtListener, Google Scholar’s Case Law, and Minnesota state court records revealed no cases filed against these individuals following Pretti’s death. This directly contradicts the viral claim about a trial conclusion or verdict.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office has officially classified Pretti’s death as a homicide. Multiple investigations remain ongoing, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division conducting separate probes into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
On February 16, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans revealed that the FBI had formally denied his agency access to files related to the fatal shooting, highlighting the sensitive and ongoing nature of the investigations.
The fabricated CNN report appears to perpetuate earlier mischaracterizations of the incident. Initial social media claims suggesting Pretti intended to attack immigration officers have been contradicted by video evidence. Footage revealed that Pretti never attempted to draw his licensed firearm before agents removed it from him and fatally shot him.
This incident underscores the growing challenge of identifying manipulated media online, particularly content mimicking established news sources. Such fabrications can rapidly spread misinformation about sensitive legal and political matters, potentially influencing public perception before the completion of proper investigations or legal proceedings.
As multiple agencies continue their investigations into Pretti’s death, no credible news organizations have reported any trial conclusion or verdict related to the case as of mid-February 2026.
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7 Comments
I’m curious to learn more about the actual facts and legal proceedings related to this case, once reliable information becomes available from credible sources.
It’s troubling to see manipulated images and false claims being circulated, especially related to sensitive legal cases. We must be vigilant in identifying and correcting such misinformation.
I’m glad CNN has refuted this fabricated news story. It’s crucial that the public can trust the information they receive from reputable media outlets.
Absolutely. Fact-checking and media transparency are essential to combat the spread of disinformation.
This is a concerning case of misinformation spreading on social media. It’s important to rely on official sources and fact-checking to get accurate information, rather than unverified claims.
While I don’t have enough details about this specific case, I appreciate CNN’s swift response to clarify that their reporting was not the source of this misleading information.
This highlights the need for increased media literacy and critical thinking when consuming news, especially on social media platforms where misinformation can spread rapidly.