MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A frigid Saturday morning on Minneapolis' Eat Street took a dramatic turn with the death of a protester during a clash with federal agents. In less than five hours, a peaceful scene transformed into a site of chaos and outrage, reflecting deeper tensions within the community.
Approximately 1.5 miles from a previous shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, the day began with a federal officer fatally shooting a man identified as 37-year-old Alex Pretti, igniting outrage and protests that had been simmering for weeks. The federal law enforcement presence, aimed at enforcing immigration policy, had faced fierce opposition from locals who formed coalitions to resist it.
As news of the shooting spread, dozens of protesters converged on the location, demanding justice and accountability. The atmosphere quickly evolved into confrontations, as agents employed tear gas to disperse demonstrators who regrouped and retaliated with anger.
By mid-afternoon, protesters had effectively taken control of the intersection, establishing makeshift memorials for Pretti with flowers, candles, and signs that demanded an end to ICE's presence in Minnesota. This scene was reminiscent of the reactions to the death of George Floyd in 2020, yet without the extensive riots that followed then.
The Minneapolis Police, alongside the National Guard, sought to maintain order, encouraging peaceful demonstrations while restricting traffic near the shooting site. Businesses closed early, and some offered resources to support protestors braving the cold.
As the sun set, the crowd remained, standing vigil for Pretti, articulating a profound frustration and uncertainty about the future. It feels like every day something crazier happens, reflected one local participant, embodying the collective heartache felt throughout this community deeply affected by recent violence and systemic issues.
