January 25, 2026

Phoenix Leaders and Law Enforcement Address Public Safety Issues

Phoenix, January 25, 2026

Recent developments in Arizona have prompted state leaders to address law enforcement and public safety issues, particularly following a federal agent-related shooting in Minneapolis. Attorney General calls for public input on federal agent activities while the Phoenix Police Department clarifies its tactics. Additionally, a major breakthrough in a 2019 murder investigation highlights ongoing efforts to combat gun violence in the area.

Phoenix Focus: State Leaders and Law Enforcement Address Public Safety Amidst Recent Developments

Recent days have brought significant developments impacting law enforcement and public safety discussions across Arizona. While no new major shooting incidents within Phoenix itself have been reported in the immediate last 48 hours, state leaders have reacted to federal agent activities, and local authorities have made progress in resolving past violent crimes. The broader landscape of justice and accountability remains a central focus for the region.

Arizona Officials Respond to Federal Agent Actions and Seek Public Input

As of Sunday, January 25, 2026, Arizona’s Attorney General has initiated a call for residents to submit any videos or photos documenting potential unlawful activities by federal agents. This includes personnel from agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection, and Homeland Security Investigations. This statewide appeal comes in the wake of a fatal shooting involving a federal agent in Minneapolis on Saturday, January 24, 2026, an incident that has drawn strong responses from Arizona’s leadership.

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and other prominent state leaders issued statements concerning the Minneapolis shooting, which marked the second fatal incident involving federal agents in that city. The Minneapolis Police Department confirmed that a 37-year-old American citizen was shot and killed during the event. Reports from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicate that federal law enforcement officers were conducting an operation in Minneapolis targeting undocumented immigrants wanted for violent assault. During this operation, an individual reportedly approached U.S. Border Patrol officers carrying a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. DHS stated that officers attempted to disarm the individual, who allegedly resisted violently. Fearing for his own life and the safety of his colleagues, a federal agent fired “defensive shots.” The individual received medical attention at the scene before being transported to a hospital, where he later died. The Associated Press identified the deceased as 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who worked as an intensive care unit nurse.

Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego also publicly commented on the Minneapolis shooting, suggesting that the federal agent involved escalated the situation. Further details from Minneapolis revealed that a 51-year-old man, shot by federal immigration officers, ultimately died, according to hospital records. The Department of Homeland Security reported that this individual possessed a firearm with two magazines. This incident occurred amid continuous daily protests in the Twin Cities, which began after the January 7, 2026, shooting death of 37-year-old Renee Good, who was killed when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer discharged a firearm into her vehicle.

Phoenix Police Department Clarifies Tactics

In related news, on Thursday, January 23, 2026, the Phoenix Police Department addressed the public regarding its operational methods. Police officials clarified that the department does not utilize the same tactics that have become associated with federal agencies like ICE. This statement was made weeks after a national report indicated that Phoenix might become a central point of focus for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. The Phoenix Police Department also acknowledged the wider context of recent incidents, noting that four individuals have been wounded or killed in ICE shootings across the country this month, including the case of Renee Good in Minneapolis.

Breakthrough in a 2019 Phoenix Murder Investigation

On the local crime front, a significant development in a long-standing case occurred on January 21, 2026. An individual, Kevin Ramirez, who had reportedly fled to Mexico, was arrested in connection with a 2019 Phoenix murder. According to court records, Ramirez faces charges for the murder of 18-year-old Ethan Devrivera. The tragic incident took place on October 21, 2019. Investigations revealed that Ramirez allegedly planned to rob Devrivera during a deal involving marijuana cartridges. Messages exchanged between the two showed Devrivera indicating he was nearing the meeting location, followed shortly by a 911 call reporting a shooting near 67th Avenue and McDowell Road. Devrivera was found in his vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds and later died at the hospital.

Detectives ruled the incident a homicide, and evidence, including messages from Ramirez’s Snapchat account, suggested his intention to rob the victim and his subsequent departure to Mexico because “something bad” had happened. Upon his apprehension on January 21, 2026, Ramirez was informed of his Miranda Rights. He admitted to owning the Snapchat account used to arrange the deal. While denying his presence at the scene and claiming no knowledge of any injury, Ramirez acknowledged that the messages indicated his plan to set up the cartridge sale and rob Devrivera. He has since been arrested on a first-degree murder charge.

Addressing Ongoing Gun Violence in Phoenix

The recent arrest underscores the persistent efforts of Phoenix law enforcement to bring justice to victims of violent crimes, regardless of how long the investigations may take. The city continues to face the challenges of gun violence through various incidents. For example, on January 17, 2026, a 44-year-old man identified as Steven Stone Jr. died after a shooting in West Phoenix. He was discovered with at least one gunshot wound and later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. Just the day before, on January 16, 2026, in east Phoenix, 52-year-old Danny Lyn Kaster was killed in a shooting near 44th and Oak streets. A suspect, 25-year-old Deondre Franklin, was subsequently arrested and charged with murder in connection with Kaster’s death. Earlier in the month, on January 15, 2026, another individual died following a shooting incident in downtown Phoenix.

These cases highlight the continuous efforts by authorities to address and investigate incidents of gun violence, working towards maintaining public safety and ensuring accountability within the community. Investigations into these and other ongoing cases remain active.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the most recent significant development regarding federal agents in Arizona?: As of January 25, 2026, Arizona’s Attorney General has called on residents to submit any videos or photos documenting potential unlawful activities by federal agents, including those from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection, and Homeland Security Investigations.
What was the recent federal agent shooting that prompted reactions from Arizona leaders?: On Saturday, January 24, 2026, a fatal shooting occurred in Minneapolis involving a federal agent and a 37-year-old American citizen, identified as Alex Pretti, which prompted reactions from Arizona leaders.
What was the Phoenix Police Department’s statement regarding their tactics?: On Thursday, January 23, 2026, Phoenix police clarified that their department does not employ the tactics associated with federal agencies like ICE.
What is the latest development in a Phoenix murder case?: On January 21, 2026, Kevin Ramirez, an individual who had allegedly fled to Mexico, was arrested in connection with the 2019 murder of 18-year-old Ethan Devrivera in Phoenix.
When did the 2019 Phoenix murder occur, and what were the circumstances?: The murder of Ethan Devrivera occurred on October 21, 2019, during what was reportedly a planned robbery by Kevin Ramirez during a marijuana cartridge deal near 67th Avenue and McDowell Road.

Key Developments in Phoenix and Arizona Public Safety

Date of Development

Location

Summary of Event

Key Individuals/Agencies Involved

January 25, 2026

State-level (Arizona)

Arizona Attorney General calls for public submission of videos/photos of potential unlawful federal agent activity.

Arizona Attorney General, Public

January

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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

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