Protesters in Minneapolis are calling for the removal of federal immigration officers from the city following a fatal shooting incident involving a US Border Patrol agent. The incident sparked renewed demonstrations in freezing temperatures as protestors clashed with federal officers armed with batons and flash bangs.
The man killed in the shooting has been identified as Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse known for his opposition to Donald Trump’s immigration policies. According to witnesses, Pretti, a lawful gun owner with a carry permit, was filming a confrontation with a federal agent when he was pepper-sprayed and shot, despite not displaying a weapon at the time.
This marks the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis this month, following the death of Renee Good earlier in January. President Trump criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey on social media, questioning their handling of the situation and accusing them of inciting unrest.
Eyewitnesses have contradicted the official account of the incident, raising doubts about the justification for the use of lethal force. Despite the controversy, federal authorities maintain that the shooting was in self-defense as Pretti allegedly approached officers with a handgun.
In response to the shooting, a large crowd gathered for the ‘Ice Out of Minnesota’ demonstration, with approximately 50,000 attendees braving the harsh weather conditions. Subsequent protests saw federal agents deploying tear gas and making arrests, escalating tensions in the city.
Meanwhile, a vigil was held in Los Angeles to honor the ‘victims of ICE,’ highlighting the ongoing scrutiny and opposition to federal immigration enforcement practices across the country.
