Minnesota Governor Urges Federal Immigration Agents to Exit After Pretti’s Death
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called on President Donald Trump to withdraw federal immigration agents from the state. This demand comes in the wake of the controversial shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, by federal agents in Minneapolis. The incident has heightened tensions and sparked calls for an investigation into the circumstances of Pretti’s death.
Demand for Federal Agent Withdrawal
During a recent news briefing, Governor Walz directly questioned President Trump, asking, “What do we need to do to get these federal agents out of our state?” His demand followed the fatal shooting of Pretti, which occurred amid increasing protests against federal immigration enforcement in the city. This incident marks the second death involving federal agents in less than a month.
Details of the Incident
On Saturday, federal agents shot Pretti while attempting to arrest him on an icy road. Law enforcement officials claimed Pretti posed a threat to the agents, suggesting they found a firearm on him. However, video evidence disputes this account, showing Pretti seemingly holding a phone, not a weapon, prior to the shooting.
- Date of Incident: Saturday
- Victim: Alex Pretti, 37, ICU nurse
- Location: Minneapolis
- Previous Incident: Renee Good, also 37, killed three weeks prior
Footage reveals Pretti trying to assist fellow protesters when he was confronted by federal agents. Witnesses reported seeing him filming the altercation before he was pepper-sprayed and forcibly subdued. Shortly thereafter, he was shot multiple times.
Community Reaction and Investigations
The public outcry following Pretti’s death has resulted in further demonstrations, with about 1,000 participants gathering to protest federal actions in Minneapolis. Local leaders, including state Attorney General Keith Ellison, criticized Trump’s portrayal of the city as rife with crime related to its Somali immigrant population. Ellison emphasized that the focus should be on substance, not baseless accusations.
Darius Reeves, a former head of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office, expressed concern over the lack of communication among federal agents, suggesting that the disorganized response contributed to the tragic outcome.
Call for Investigations
Following the incident, various senators have demanded a thorough investigation into Pretti’s death. US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated that an independent inquiry was necessary to clarify the events leading up to the shooting. Both local and state authority cooperation is deemed essential for a transparent investigation.
This turmoil illustrates the broader tension surrounding federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, raising questions about the role and conduct of federal agents in communities already grappling with complex social issues.
