Protesters in Minneapolis are calling for the removal of federal immigration officers after a man was shot dead by a US Border Patrol agent during recent clashes. The incident sparked demonstrations with hundreds braving freezing temperatures to express their outrage. The victim was identified as Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse known for protesting against Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Following the shooting, tensions escalated as protesters confronted federal officers, leading to confrontations where officers used batons and flash bangs to disperse the crowd. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the officers resorted to firing “defensive shots” when a man with a handgun resisted their attempts to disarm him.
This marks the second fatal shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis this month, after another incident on January 7 resulting in the death of Renee Good at the hands of ICE. President Trump criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on social media, questioning the lack of local police intervention and accusing the officials of inciting unrest.
Eyewitnesses have disputed the official account of the events, claiming that Pretti was not armed at the time of the altercation. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara mentioned that Pretti was a legally licensed gun owner. Video footage showed Pretti filming with his phone during a confrontation with a federal agent before the fatal shooting occurred.
Protests continued, with a significant turnout at the ‘Ice Out of Minnesota’ demonstration despite harsh weather conditions. In a subsequent protest, federal agents used tear gas and detained a protester amid escalating tensions. A vigil was also held in Los Angeles for the victims of ICE-related incidents.