Protesters in Minneapolis are calling for the removal of federal immigration officers following a deadly shooting involving a US Border Patrol agent. The incident sparked renewed demonstrations, with hundreds braving freezing temperatures to protest the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse known for his activism against Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
After the shooting, tensions escalated as protesters clashed with federal officers, leading to confrontations where officers used batons and flash bangs to disperse the crowd. The Department of Homeland Security stated that federal officers fired “defensive shots” when a man with a handgun resisted their attempts to disarm him.
This is the second fatal shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis this month, with the recent death of Renee Good on January 7 at the hands of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). President Trump criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on social media, questioning the response to the incident.
Eyewitnesses have raised doubts about the official account, suggesting that Pretti was not armed during the confrontation. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit.
During the protests, a significant turnout of around 50,000 people participated in the ‘Ice Out of Minnesota’ demonstration despite the harsh weather conditions. Subsequent clashes between federal agents and protesters led to further tensions, resulting in the detention of a protester.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, a vigil was held in honor of the victims of ICE, highlighting the ongoing concerns and activism surrounding immigration enforcement practices.