Minnesota Woman Shares Harrowing Encounter with ICE Officers Amid Protests

Fri Mar 27 2026 01:53:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Georgia Savageford speaks out about her traumatic experience during a confrontation with federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, calling for accountability and initiating potential lawsuits against excessive force.

Georgia Savageford, who witnessed the shooting of protester Alex Pretti by ICE agents, recounted her own traumatic experience while monitoring federal enforcement actions in Minneapolis. At a news conference, she outlined the excessive force used against her and others during protests, and civil rights attorney John Burris discussed the path toward potential class-action lawsuits against the government. Minnesota officials are also seeking access to evidence related to recent shootings. Savageford called for justice and accountability for those affected.

MINNEAPOLIS (RTWNews) — In a recent news conference, Georgia Savageford shared her chilling experience while observing federal immigration officers in Minnesota, where she witnessed fellow protester Alex Pretti shot by agents. Her trauma, she explained, stemmed from both the event itself and the subsequent treatment she endured at the hands of the officers.

That day has changed me forever, Savageford stated. The trauma will haunt me for the rest of my life, and I will never be the same. She expressed her ongoing fear and the grief of witnessing a colleague's death, emphasizing how this traumatic experience forced a change in her perception of safety.

As she observed the agents, Savageford was pushed to the ground by officers, who proceeded to tackle her and drag her face down into the street, ultimately handcuffing her with excessive force that resulted in temporary nerve damage. They knelt on my back, twisted my arms and my legs to the ground, she recalled.

Scott and others at the conference announced potential class-action lawsuits aimed at addressing the excessive force used against protesters and monitoring equally. Civil rights attorney John Burris, known for tackling police misconduct cases, indicated that they have filed complaints to federal agencies regarding the aggressive tactics employed during the federal enforcement surge in Minnesota.

Savageford's testimony highlighted the urgent need for justice for Alex Pretti and others who have faced violence in such interactions. At that moment, I thought I was going to die too, she shared, urging accountability from the federal government and pointing out the broad implications of the issues being raised.

In parallel, the Minnesota government has initiated lawsuits against the Trump administration to gain access to evidence crucial for investigating the recent fatal shootings involving ICE agents. State officials are seeking to understand the circumstances surrounding these agents' actions, as they continue to push for reforms and accountability.

Savageford ended her poignant statement by affirming her belief in the inherent value of every life. I know the kind of heart [Pretti] had. One that loves and protects without limits, she said, echoing the sentiments of many seeking to shed light on the impact of immigration enforcement policies.