Anger is spreading across the United States following the death of an American man in Minneapolis at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. What began as local protests condemning the shooting have escalated into clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement, prompting calls for calm and accusations of incitement.
The incident occurred on Saturday when federal ICE officers shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Local authorities have confirmed Pretti’s citizenship. This shooting took place amidst ongoing protests sparked by a previous incident on January 7th, where 37-year-old Renee Good was killed when an ICE officer fired upon her vehicle. The two shootings occurred within a mile of each other, fueling public outrage.
Thousands of protestors, braving frigid temperatures, have taken to the streets demanding the removal of federal immigration forces. Federal security personnel have responded with batons and flashbangs, leading to numerous arrests near the city’s airport. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has urged citizens to exercise restraint and maintain peaceful demonstrations, emphasizing the need to protect the city from destruction.
The unrest has extended beyond Minneapolis, with protests also erupting in New York City. Demonstrators carried signs calling for a “national shutdown” and demanding the expulsion of ICE from all communities. The burgeoning movement reflects widespread discontent over federal immigration policies and law enforcement tactics.
Trump Accusations
Adding fuel to the fire, former President Donald Trump has accused Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, both Democrats, of “inciting insurrection” through their public statements. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that the deceased, Pretti, was armed with a loaded weapon and extra magazines, suggesting he posed a threat to law enforcement. He also alluded to reports that police officers were being prevented from performing their duties.
The situation remains tense as investigations into both shootings continue. DZWatch will continue to provide updates as they become available.
