Protests have erupted across Minneapolis and spread nationwide after federal immigration agents fatally shot a local man during an enforcement operation. The incident, the second such killing this month, has intensified anger over President Trump’s immigration crackdown, drawing condemnation from state leaders and fueling calls for accountability and withdrawal of federal officers.
The United States is witnessing widening protests after a federal agent fatally shot a man in Minneapolis. The incident has become a flashpoint in the ongoing immigration enforcement debate, sparking outrage among residents, political leaders, and activists.
Key Highlights
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The victim, identified as 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti, was reportedly holding a mobile phone, not a firearm, when agents opened fire during a protest.
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Governor Tim Walz condemned the shooting, labeling it “sickening” and demanding the immediate withdrawal of federal officers from Minnesota.
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The Department of Homeland Security stated that agents fired “defensive shots” after claiming the man resisted while armed, though video evidence circulating online contradicts this narrative.
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This marks the second fatal shooting in Minneapolis this month linked to immigration enforcement, following the death of another local resident earlier in January.
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Public anger has been further inflamed by recent detentions, including the brief custody of a two-year-old child and her father, which drew sharp criticism from city officials.
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Large demonstrations under banners such as “ICE OUT” have spread beyond Minneapolis, with solidarity protests reported in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.
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Civil rights groups and immigrant advocacy organizations are calling for independent investigations, citing concerns over excessive force and lack of transparency in federal operations.
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Political leaders across Minnesota have urged the White House to halt immigration crackdowns in the state, warning of escalating unrest if federal agents remain deployed.
The Minneapolis shooting has intensified scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement, transforming local outrage into a national movement. With protests growing and political pressure mounting, the incident underscores deep divisions over immigration policy and the role of federal agents in American cities.
Sources: Associated Press, CBS News, NBC News, Al Jazeera