Minneapolis Erupts in Protest After Fatal ICE Shooting, Sparking National Outcry and Political Backlash

Minneapolis has once again become the center of national attention following a fatal shooting involving federal immigration agents — an event that has unleashed fresh protests, deep political divisions, and urgent calls for accountability across the United States.

At the heart of the controversy is the death of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti, who was killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. The incident marks the second deadly shooting this month involving federal agents in the city, following the killing of Renée Nicole Good earlier in January — both incidents fuelling outrage and intensifying public demonstrations.

What Happened in Minneapolis?

Authorities say the shooting occurred during “Operation Metro Surge,” a large-scale immigration enforcement initiative backed by the Trump administration that deployed thousands of federal agents — including ICE and Border Patrol personnel — to the state. Federal officials initially claimed that Pretti posed a threat, alleging he was armed and dangerous at the protest scene. However, eyewitness footage reviewed by local media and law enforcement officials appears to contradict these assertions, showing Pretti holding a phone at the time he was tackled and shot.

Local police confirmed Pretti was legally licensed to carry a firearm, but videos circulating online do not show a weapon in his hands before the shooting. This contradiction has been at the center of national debate, with critics describing the federal narrative as inconsistent and lacking transparency.

Protests and Public Response

In the days following the shooting, thousands of protesters braved freezing temperatures to march through downtown Minneapolis under banners demanding “ICE out!” and an end to federal immigration crackdowns. Demonstrators have repeatedly clashed with law enforcement, with protests escalating into the use of tear gas and chemical irritants by officers trying to disperse large crowds.

These demonstrations have not remained confined to Minneapolis. Public figures and activists nationwide have joined the call for accountability. WNBA star Breanna Stewart was photographed holding an “Abolish ICE” sign at a major sporting event, illustrating how the movement has spread into cultural and public spheres.

Government Reaction and Political Fallout

The political response has been widespread and intense. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called the tactics of federal immigration agents “illegal” and “un-American,” suggesting the presence of thousands of armed federal officers is exacerbating tensions rather than promoting public safety.

At the federal level, President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged the situation is under review and has dispatched his border policy adviser, Tom Homan, directly to Minnesota in an effort to manage the crisis. Trump also indicated — without specifying a timeline — that some federal agents might eventually be withdrawn from the city

One notable development is that U.S. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino — a key figure in Minneapolis operations — is now expected to leave the area amid internal shifts within the Department of Homeland Security.

Calls for Investigation and Legislative Action

The controversy has also spilled into Congress, with bipartisan calls emerging for a full and transparent investigation into Pretti’s death and federal immigration enforcement practices. Prominent Republicans and Democrats alike have urged hearings and reviews to determine whether federal use of force was justified and to restore public confidence.

Meanwhile, formal legal challenges have been filed against the federal deployment, with state and city officials arguing that the presence of immigration agents violates state sovereignty and civil liberties. Federal courts are expected to hear arguments that could significantly shape the future of immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota.

The Broader Impact on Immigration Policy

Outrage over the shootings has energized national conversations about the future of ICE and related federal agencies. Polling data suggests support for abolishing ICE is increasing, including among some traditionally conservative voters — a striking shift that highlights how this local incident could influence national immigration policy debates.

Public health experts have also weighed in, warning that aggressive immigration enforcement is contributing to a growing public health crisis as immigrant communities become fearful of seeking assistance or engaging with healthcare services due to the presence of armed federal agents.

Looking Ahead

As Minneapolis remains on edge, the coming weeks will likely determine whether protests intensify, federal agents scale back their presence, or the situation evolves into a protracted political confrontation. With national attention focused on the city and communities across the country closely watching, the outcome of this crisis may shape U.S. immigration policy and civil rights discourse well into 2026.