UPDATE: Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Minneapolis and students across the United States staged walkouts following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents. This urgent response, which began on November 24, 2023, comes as the Department of Justice confirmed it is investigating the incident, raising significant concerns over civil rights violations.
Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, was shot during a federal operation last Saturday. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the DOJ’s civil rights division is collaborating with the FBI to examine whether the officers involved breached Pretti’s civil rights. This investigation follows widespread outrage after video evidence contradicting initial claims by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) surfaced, showing Pretti did not threaten agents as alleged.
The protests have gained momentum, with demonstrations spreading from Minneapolis to cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Activists and citizens across the nation are demanding the withdrawal of federal immigration agents from Minnesota. As part of the national day of protest, students walked out of classrooms in solidarity with Pretti’s family and the broader movement against aggressive immigration tactics.
In Minneapolis, several thousand protesters braved sub-zero temperatures, including families and elderly couples, to voice their anger. Rock star Bruce Springsteen joined the protests, performing at a fundraiser for Pretti and another victim, Renee Good, who was also shot by federal agents. His guitar bore the message “Arrest the President,” resonating with the crowd.
The protests reflect a deep-seated frustration with the current immigration policy under the Trump administration. Under Operation Metro Surge, President Trump has deployed 3,000 federal officers to the Minneapolis area, significantly outnumbering local police. Critics describe the federal response as excessive, with many calling Pretti’s death an execution.
Students across the U.S. are participating in the resistance, with schools in Aurora, Colorado, closing due to anticipated absences. In Tucson, Arizona, at least 20 schools canceled classes, while 90 high schools in Georgia planned walkouts. Chants of “sanctuary campus” echoed at DePaul University in Chicago, and anti-ICE protests unfolded in Long Beach, California, and Brooklyn, New York.
As public discontent grows, recent polling indicates that Trump’s immigration policy approval has plummeted. In response to the escalating situation, Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, announced a shift toward more targeted operations, attempting to quell the unrest. However, President Trump has characterized the Minnesota protesters as insurrectionists, escalating the tension.
Authorities confirm that the investigation into Pretti’s death is ongoing, and protests are expected to continue. Activists urge citizens to keep the pressure on local and federal authorities, emphasizing that public safety and civil rights must be prioritized over aggressive immigration enforcement.
As this urgent story develops, communities across the nation remain engaged, demanding justice for Alex Pretti and accountability from federal officials. The call to action is clear: “No work. No school. No shopping. Stop funding ICE.” Stay tuned for further updates as this situation unfolds.
