In a powerful display of public dissent, thousands of protesters took to the streets across the United States on Friday, voicing their opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents. The protests, part of a coordinated "National Shutdown," saw participants in cities like Minneapolis, New York, and Los Angeles demanding the withdrawal of federal immigration agents from Minnesota and calling for a halt to ICE's aggressive enforcement tactics.

Civil Rights Investigation Launched

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a federal civil rights investigation into the shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the investigation, emphasizing its standard nature in such circumstances. The FBI will lead the inquiry, with support from the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, to thoroughly examine the events surrounding Pretti's death. This move comes amid growing public outcry and criticism from lawmakers across the political spectrum.

Operation Metro Surge Under Scrutiny

The protests have intensified calls for the cessation of Operation Metro Surge, an immigration enforcement initiative launched by the Trump administration in Minnesota. The operation, involving approximately 3,000 federal agents, aims to target "criminal illegal aliens," according to the Department of Homeland Security. However, critics argue that the initiative has ensnared individuals with clean records and even U.S. citizens, prompting Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to demand the withdrawal of federal forces.

Creative Protests and Public Figures Join the Cause

Demonstrators employed creative methods to amplify their message, forming the letters "SOS" on a frozen lake in Minneapolis and marching with a replica of the U.S. Constitution's Preamble. Notably, singer Bruce Springsteen performed a newly released song, "Streets of Minneapolis," in honor of Good and Pretti. The protests, organized by groups like 50501, also included economic actions such as work stoppages and consumer boycotts to pressure ICE and its supporting network.