Protests in Minneapolis Intensify Over ICE Shooting of ICU Nurse
Published 25 January 2026
Highlights
- Protests erupted in Minneapolis after the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents, intensifying calls for ICE's removal.
- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz urged President Trump to withdraw federal agents, citing concerns over aggressive immigration enforcement.
- Video evidence contradicts federal claims that Pretti posed a threat, showing he was disarmed before being shot.
- Labor unions and community leaders organized a Day of Truth & Freedom, pressuring companies to oppose ICE operations.
- The Trump administration faces backlash, with some Republicans questioning ICE's credibility and Democrats threatening funding blocks.
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Rewritten Article
Protests in Minneapolis Intensify Over ICE Shooting of ICU Nurse
Protests have erupted across Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, by federal immigration agents. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for the removal of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from Minnesota. Governor Tim Walz has been vocal in urging President Donald Trump to withdraw federal agents, emphasizing the need for humane immigration enforcement.
Calls for Federal Withdrawal
Governor Walz, addressing the public, implored President Trump to "end this today" by pulling federal agents out of Minnesota. Walz's appeal comes amid growing tensions over aggressive immigration enforcement tactics. "What’s the plan, Donald Trump?" Walz asked, highlighting the divide between supporting immigration control and opposing the methods employed under the Trump administration.
Disputed Narrative and Video Evidence
The Trump administration's narrative that Pretti posed a direct threat has been met with skepticism. Video footage shows that Pretti, who legally owned a firearm, was disarmed before being shot. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed Pretti was "brandishing" a gun, a statement contradicted by local authorities and video evidence. Pretti's family has denounced the administration's portrayal of him as a "domestic terrorist," urging the truth about his character to be recognized.
Labor and Community Response
In response to the shooting, Minnesota's labor unions and community leaders organized a Day of Truth & Freedom, advocating for an economic blackout to protest ICE's presence. The movement has targeted major corporations, urging them to sever ties with ICE and take a stand against federal operations. Companies like Target and Delta Airlines have faced criticism for their silence on the issue.
Political and Public Backlash
The incident has intensified political debate, with some Republicans expressing concern over ICE's credibility. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy have voiced their unease, while Democrats threaten to block government funding for the Department of Homeland Security if ICE operations continue unchecked.
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Scenario Analysis
The ongoing protests and political pressure could lead to significant changes in federal immigration enforcement policies in Minnesota. If President Trump decides to withdraw ICE agents, it may set a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues. However, if the administration maintains its stance, the situation could escalate, potentially leading to further public unrest and political division. The outcome of federal investigations into Pretti's shooting will likely influence public opinion and policy decisions, impacting the broader national debate on immigration enforcement.
Protests have erupted across Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, by federal immigration agents. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for the removal of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from Minnesota. Governor Tim Walz has been vocal in urging President Donald Trump to withdraw federal agents, emphasizing the need for humane immigration enforcement.
Calls for Federal Withdrawal
Governor Walz, addressing the public, implored President Trump to "end this today" by pulling federal agents out of Minnesota. Walz's appeal comes amid growing tensions over aggressive immigration enforcement tactics. "What’s the plan, Donald Trump?" Walz asked, highlighting the divide between supporting immigration control and opposing the methods employed under the Trump administration.
Disputed Narrative and Video Evidence
The Trump administration's narrative that Pretti posed a direct threat has been met with skepticism. Video footage shows that Pretti, who legally owned a firearm, was disarmed before being shot. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed Pretti was "brandishing" a gun, a statement contradicted by local authorities and video evidence. Pretti's family has denounced the administration's portrayal of him as a "domestic terrorist," urging the truth about his character to be recognized.
Labor and Community Response
In response to the shooting, Minnesota's labor unions and community leaders organized a Day of Truth & Freedom, advocating for an economic blackout to protest ICE's presence. The movement has targeted major corporations, urging them to sever ties with ICE and take a stand against federal operations. Companies like Target and Delta Airlines have faced criticism for their silence on the issue.
Political and Public Backlash
The incident has intensified political debate, with some Republicans expressing concern over ICE's credibility. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy have voiced their unease, while Democrats threaten to block government funding for the Department of Homeland Security if ICE operations continue unchecked.
What this might mean
The ongoing protests and political pressure could lead to significant changes in federal immigration enforcement policies in Minnesota. If President Trump decides to withdraw ICE agents, it may set a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues. However, if the administration maintains its stance, the situation could escalate, potentially leading to further public unrest and political division. The outcome of federal investigations into Pretti's shooting will likely influence public opinion and policy decisions, impacting the broader national debate on immigration enforcement.
