Minneapolis is reeling after the killing of Alex Pretti, a South Minneapolis resident shot and killed by federal immigration agents near 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue, an incident that city leaders across the political spectrum are calling an unprecedented escalation, a constitutional violation, and a moral breaking point for the city.
The killing — the third ICE-related shooting in Minneapolis in recent weeks, according to city officials — was captured on video showing multiple masked agents beating Pretti before fatally shooting him. The footage has circulated widely, sparking mass protests, candlelight vigils, whistle alerts, and a unified response from the mayor and City Council demanding the immediate withdrawal of federal agents and independent accountability.
Mayor Jacob Frey described the federal presence as an “invasion” that has made Minneapolis less safe, not more.
“How many more Minnesotans must die before this ends?” Frey asked in a message to residents. “This is not a partisan issue. This is an American issue.”
Frey contrasted the violence with a peaceful downtown demonstration the previous day that drew more than 15,000 people without injury, arrests, or property damage. He said the conduct of masked, militarized federal agents operating without clear identification represents a collapse of trust and democratic norms.
In response, the City of Minneapolis has filed a declaration urging a judge to rule immediately on a temporary restraining order aimed at halting federal operations. Frey also requested National Guard assistance to support local police officers strained by weeks of unrest.
Across City Hall, council members echoed the mayor’s outrage while repeatedly urging residents to remain peaceful.
Council Member Elizabeth Shaffer (Ward 7) called the killing “nothing short of an extrajudicial act” and warned Minneapolis could become a test case for expanded federal military authority.
Council Member Soren Stevenson (Ward 8) called the killing “federally sponsored terror” and demanded ICE leave Minnesota entirely.
Council Vice President Jamal Osman (Ward 6) framed the killing as a constitutional crisis and called for an independent, state-led investigation.
Council Member Michael Rainville (Ward 3) criticized federal agents for blocking state investigators.
Council Member Aisha Chughtai called the killing an “execution” and demanded arrests and an eviction moratorium.
Council Member Jamison Whiting described the situation as a “militarized occupation” and launched an emergency rental assistance fundraiser.
Council Member Linea Palmisano urged peaceful demonstrations and unity.
