Minneapolis Community Gathers in Grief and Anger After Fatal ICE Shooting
Residents of Minneapolis have come together in a sombre vigil to mourn the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse who was fatally shot by a US border patrol officer on Saturday. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and anxiety in the city, which is still reeling from the death of another resident, Renee Good, less than three weeks earlier.
A Scene of Mourning and Protest
In sub-zero temperatures, hundreds of people gathered near the shooting site, lighting candles and leaving flowers, signs, and tributes stuck into snowbanks and asphalt. The makeshift memorial grew throughout Sunday, with messages such as "RIP Alex" and anti-ICE graffiti like "ICE OUT" visible on freeway overpasses and buildings. Despite the cold, mourners huddled in thick winter coats, some wrapped in blankets, to pay their respects and maintain a watchful presence.
The area had been chaotic immediately after the shooting, with residents erecting barriers using wooden pallets, trash cans, and furniture to block traffic. Protests ensued, leading federal agents to deploy chemical irritants and flash-bangs, debris from which remained evident in the streets. By Sunday morning, the city had removed the barriers and reopened traffic, describing the overnight period as "calm and peaceful." National Guard troops were called off, though several police vehicles remained idling nearby.
Escalating Tensions and Federal Response
This shooting marks the third incident involving federal agents in Minneapolis within three weeks, heightening fears among residents. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara expressed concern on Face the Nation, stating that his officers are "stretched incredibly thin" and that the situation is unsustainable. He emphasised, "This is the second American citizen that's been killed, third shooting within three weeks. People have been speaking out, saying that this was going to happen again."
In response, Minneapolis officials sought a temporary restraining order in court on Saturday to halt federal agents' activities in the city. However, new videos surfaced on Sunday showing agents brawling with observers at a north Minneapolis apartment building, indicating that enforcement actions continue unabated. The federal government has defended these actions without investigation, offering explanations that contradict video evidence gathered by residents and blaming local officials for non-cooperation.
Community Resilience and Solidarity
Amid the turmoil, the Minneapolis community has demonstrated remarkable solidarity. A Saturday evening vigil drew hundreds in freezing conditions, with similar gatherings occurring statewide in parks and on street corners. Nationwide, Pretti's death has sparked protests, reflecting broader discontent with immigration policies.
Local businesses have also shown support. Glam Doll Donuts, located across from the shooting site, posted on social media about the altered view from their windows after 13 years, offering the shop as a warm space for community gathering. They wrote, "The tragedies we continue to experience together are horrifying but our people are beyond beautiful."
An unofficial network of neighbours has expanded to thousands, providing practical aid such as school runs, grocery deliveries, and rides for those afraid to drive due to potential ICE encounters. Former Mayor RT Rybak highlighted this unity, noting that the global spotlight on Minneapolis can inspire others to protect each other with a "common purpose."
Political and Legal Developments
The conflict has escalated politically, with Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding that Governor Tim Walz end sanctuary policies and turn over state data, including voting rolls. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey acknowledged the peaceful nature of the vigils on Twitter, reporting no arrests or incidents during the gatherings.
As the federal campaign persists, residents remain resolved to fight back, aware of the growing dangers after two observers' deaths. The community's resilience underscores a deepening divide between local efforts for safety and federal enforcement strategies, with no immediate resolution in sight.
