MINNEAPOLIS (RTW News) — The morning began quietly on Minneapolis' renowned Eat Street, known for its diverse eateries and vibrant coffee culture. However, the serene atmosphere drastically shifted within hours when a federal immigration officer shot and killed a man at the location, igniting passionate protests.
Reports indicate that the shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, approximately a mile and a half from a previous fatal ICE incident, led to significant unrest in a city already grappling with tensions surrounding immigration enforcement practices. Eyewitness videos captured federal agents pinning Pretti down, with gunshots ringing out just before the incident escalated into protests.
The crowd rapidly grew from dozens to hundreds, vehemently shouting at law enforcement and expressing their outrage towards immigration enforcement policies. Protesters utilized improvised barricades, while authorities responded with tear gas and other crowd control measures.
Protesters eventually took control of the intersection near the shooting, transforming it into an impromptu memorial for Pretti, adorned with flowers and candles. Many activists expressed their demand for the immediate withdrawal of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from the state, echoing sentiments that have echoed throughout the Twin Cities in recent weeks.
Minneapolis police Chief Brian O'Hara stated that their focus was to ensure safety around the area as demonstrators gathered peacefully to express their frustrations, while the National Guard was mobilized to help maintain order.
As nighttime fell, the crowd remained vigilant, mourning not only Pretti but the larger systemic issues surrounding immigration and law enforcement in the community. Many onlookers voiced feelings of helplessness and frustration over ongoing violence and the seemingly unending cycle of tragic events.
