Thousands Attend Vigil for Alex Pretti in Minneapolis as Community Reacts to ICE Shooting
An estimated 4,000 individuals gathered at Whittier Park in Minneapolis on Saturday evening for a solemn vigil honouring Alex Jeffrey Pretti, the 37-year-old American citizen and ICU nurse who was fatally shot by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The event, held in bitterly cold temperatures of -7°F, saw attendees paying their respects amidst a palpable atmosphere of grief and anger, with some participants wearing protective eyewear as a precautionary measure.
Peaceful Gathering Amidst Heightened Tensions
An anonymous local attendee described the vigil as "peaceful" but noted the visible signs of unease in the surrounding area. "Aldi nearby was boarding up their windows and people were wearing ski goggles for protection just in case," they reported. The crowd, which swelled to between 3,000 and 4,000 people, participated in chants and listened to speakers, with volunteers distributing hand warmers and hot cocoa to combat the severe cold. The attendee added that people were still arriving via bus as they departed, indicating sustained community engagement.
Details of the Fatal Incident and Official Response
Alex Pretti, born in Illinois, was shot dead by ICE agents on Saturday. The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement alleging that Pretti "violently resisted" attempts to disarm him and was carrying a 9mm semi-automatic handgun with two magazines, for which he possessed a valid licence. However, specific circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear. Court documents and family statements confirm Pretti had no criminal history, with only minor traffic violations on record.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has spoken to the White House following what he termed "another horrific shooting by federal agents." He has called on President Donald Trump to "pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota." This incident follows the January 7th shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, which sparked nationwide protests.
Community Outrage and Calls for Accountability
Jeanne Massey, a neighbour of Pretti who lives just one street away, articulated the collective sentiment of the community. "Let me be clear: we are horrified, we are furious, and we are not going to pretend this is anything but what it is - another senseless act of violence carried out by federal agents in our city," she declared. Massey emphasised that this marks the third shooting during ICE enforcement operations in recent weeks, describing it as "devastating to see another life taken while our community is trying to stand up for justice and safety."
Massey further stated that the protest was "not just for our immigrant neighbors but for everyone who deserves to live without fear." She condemned the perceived impunity of federal agents, asserting, "People here are terrified, but we are also angry - angry that federal agents continue to operate with impunity, with lethal force, with no accountability. Our city is under siege. No one here feels safe, and that is unacceptable." Despite the fear, she affirmed the community's resolve: "We will not be quiet, we will not be intimidated, and we will not back down. This resistance is not just growing - it's enraged and resolute. They need to stop this operation now and get these agents out of Minnesota."
Personal Tributes and Professional Legacy
Colleagues and family remembered Pretti as a dedicated healthcare professional and compassionate individual. One colleague, who hired him for a trial recruitment role before he became an ICU nurse, said, "I loved working with him. He was a good, kind person who lived to help and these f***ers executed him. White. Hot. Rage." His father, Michael Pretti, shared that his son "cared about people deeply" and was deeply upset by ICE activities in Minneapolis and across the United States. "He felt that doing the protesting was a way to express that, you know, his care for others," Michael Pretti explained.
The vigil at Whittier Park, coupled with the boarding up of nearby shops like Aldi, underscores the profound impact of this incident on the Minneapolis community. As investigations continue and calls for the withdrawal of federal agents intensify, the city remains a focal point for national debates on immigration enforcement, policing, and community safety.
