In a city already grappling with tensions from a recent fatal shooting, federal immigration officers in Minneapolis shot and killed a U.S. citizen on Saturday. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the individual was armed and “violently resisted” arrest, but further details remain undisclosed, leading to a public outcry and protests.
Shooting Sparks Protests
This incident marks the second fatal shooting by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis this month. The shooting occurred near a doughnut shop, prompting immediate protests. As demonstrators gathered, chants of “ICE out now” echoed through the streets, signifying the community’s frustration.
Jennifer Ludden of NPR was present at the scene and reported that DHS has initiated an investigation, with more details expected to follow. The operation’s lead, Gregory Bovino, described the shooting as an act of self-defense. According to Bovino, agents were targeting an undocumented immigrant wanted for a violent crime when a second person, who was armed, approached and resisted disarmament.
Bovino stated, “This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.” However, bystander footage appears to show multiple agents struggling with a person on the ground, followed by sounds of multiple gunshots.
Victim Identified
The deceased has been identified as Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and intensive care nurse at the VA, with no prior criminal record. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, Pretti had a legal permit to carry a firearm. His family revealed that he had protested against a previous ICE-related shooting in which Renee Good was killed earlier this month.
Community Reaction and Official Responses
Protesters, including healthcare worker Linda Gotlieb, expressed their anger and dissatisfaction with the federal presence in Minneapolis. Gotlieb commented, “They’re trying to have the narrative be that the people are the aggressors. But we have seen on video and we’ve heard people testify to the fact that, no, they are being illegally detained and assaulted and sustaining injuries. And this is absolutely counter to everything our country stands for.”
The situation has prompted large-scale protests, with thousands previously rallying to demand the withdrawal of federal immigration agents from the city. Despite accusations from the Trump administration labeling Pretti as a “domestic terrorist,” Minnesota officials are voicing their outrage and skepticism about federal handling of the investigation.
State and Federal Tensions
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has criticized the federal government’s actions and emphasized that they cannot be trusted to lead the investigation. Walz stated, “We continue to hear – and we heard it from the vice president – that these folks can do whatever they want. They can have full immunity. And what I’m telling you is they will not. There will be justice to Minnesotans.” The State Bureau of Criminal Apprehension claims their investigation efforts are being obstructed by DHS.
As tensions escalate, Governor Walz has mobilized the Minnesota National Guard to assist local police during protests. Meanwhile, President Trump has accused state officials of inciting unrest and has threatened to use the Insurrection Act, keeping military forces on standby for potential deployment.
NPR’s Jennifer Ludden contributed to this report.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
