In brief
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Minneapolis after Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse and immigration activist, was shot and killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents. This incident has heightened tensions in a city already on edge due to previous violence, with family and activists demanding accountability and withdrawal of federal officers from local operations. Various political figures, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, have spoken out against federal practices, culminating in calls to defund ICE. Eyewitness videos show Pretti with a phone, not a weapon, challenging the official narrative.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An uproar has erupted in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, by U.S. Border Patrol agents during an immigration enforcement operation. This incident has drawn hundreds of protesters onto the streets, calling for the departure of federal immigration officers from the state.Pretti, known for his activism against President Trump's immigration policies, was shot amid chaotic confrontations between federal officers and demonstrators. Family members have stated that he was a peaceful man merely trying to help others, noting he had a phone in his hand at the time of the shooting, without any visible weapon.Amidst rising tensions, Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz has deployed the National Guard to assist local law enforcement, directly responding to public outcry. The border patrol agent responsible for Pretti's death has been identified as a veteran of the agency.Statements from officials, including a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, claim that the shooting occurred after Pretti allegedly approached officers in a threatening manner. However, videos recorded by bystanders contradict their account, showcasing him with his hands raised and no weapon visible.In a connected political narrative, President Trump criticized local leaders for enabling anti-ICE sentiments, while prominent Democratic figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have called for federal authorities to be removed from Minnesota amid fears of further violence.The aftermath of the shooting has seen ongoing protests spread to various cities including Los Angeles and New York, with protesters demanding justice for Pretti and an end to federal immigration enforcement practices. Memorials continue to grow at the shooting site as frustrated citizens voice their demands for change and accountability.
