Two separate fatal shootings by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis within a single month have brought renewed attention to the controversial practice of federal immunity and the use of force by law enforcement. The shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti have left the public questioning the role of ICE in communities and the consequences of the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies.
ICE agents have been under scrutiny in Minneapolis for their involvement in deportation snatch squads, which have terrorized migrants and those who have attempted to defend their rights. The latest fatality, that of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, occurred on Saturday, January 22, 2026. Pretti was shot multiple times in the back after being wrestled to the ground and pepper-sprayed (The Guardian).
Preeti's shooting followed the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a US citizen and mother of three children, earlier that month. Good was attempting to drive away from a protest when she was shot by an ICE agent (The Guardian). In response to the shootings, ICE agents were reassured by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller that they could continue to act with impunity, as any attempt to obstruct them was considered a felony (The Guardian).
The shootings have sparked calls for investigations and reforms, with some arguing that the use of force by ICE agents is excessive and unjustified. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has condemned the shootings and called for an end to ICE's deportation snatch squads (ACLU).
The ACLU is not alone in its demands for change. The shootings have also prompted outrage from local and national politicians, including Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, who have called for an investigation into the incidents (Star Tribune).
Despite the calls for action, ICE continues to defend its actions, stating that its agents were acting in accordance with their training and that the shootings were justified. However, the shootings have further fueled tensions between ICE and communities, particularly those with large immigrant populations.
The shootings in Minneapolis are not isolated incidents. ICE has been criticized for its use of force and its tactics in the past, with numerous reports of excessive force, detainee abuse, and mistaken identity leading to fatal shootings and injuries. The shootings also come at a time when the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies have led to increased tensions between ICE and immigrant communities.
As the investigations into the shootings continue, it remains to be seen what, if any, action will be taken against the ICE agents involved and whether the shootings will lead to reforms within the agency. In the meantime, the shootings serve as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between ICE and immigrant communities and the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
Sources:
The Guardian. (2026, January 26). The Guardian view on a second ICE killing in Minneapolis: midnight in America | Editorial. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/26/the-guardian-view-on-a-second-ice-killing-in-minneapolis-midnight-in-america-
American Civil Liberties Union. (n.d.). Immigrants' Rights. American Civil Liberties Union. https://www.aclu.org/issues/immigrants-rights
Star Tribune. (2026, January 23). Minnesota Senators call for investigation into ICE shooting of woman in Minneapolis. Star Tribune. https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-senators-call-for-investigation-into-ice-shooting-of-woman-in-minneapolis/570012052/
Two separate fatal shootings by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis within a single month have brought renewed attention to the controversial practice of federal immunity and the use of force by law enforcement. The shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti have left the public questioning the role of ICE in communities and the consequences of the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies.
ICE agents have been under scrutiny in Minneapolis for their involvement in deportation snatch squads, which have terrorized migrants and those who have attempted to defend their rights. The latest fatality, that of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, occurred on Saturday, January 22, 2026. Pretti was shot multiple times in the back after being wrestled to the ground and pepper-sprayed (The Guardian).
Preeti's shooting followed the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a US citizen and mother of three children, earlier that month. Good was attempting to drive away from a protest when she was shot by an ICE agent (The Guardian). In response to the shootings, ICE agents were reassured by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller that they could continue to act with impunity, as any attempt to obstruct them was considered a felony (The Guardian).
The shootings have sparked calls for investigations and reforms, with some arguing that the use of force by ICE agents is excessive and unjustified. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has condemned the shootings and called for an end to ICE's deportation snatch squads (ACLU).
The ACLU is not alone in its demands for change. The shootings have also prompted outrage from local and national politicians, including Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, who have called for an investigation into the incidents (Star Tribune).
Despite the calls for action, ICE continues to defend its actions, stating that its agents were acting in accordance with their training and that the shootings were justified. However, the shootings have further fueled tensions between ICE and communities, particularly those with large immigrant populations.
The shootings in Minneapolis are not isolated incidents. ICE has been criticized for its use of force and its tactics in the past, with numerous reports of excessive force, detainee abuse, and mistaken identity leading to fatal shootings and injuries. The shootings also come at a time when the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies have led to increased tensions between ICE and immigrant communities.
As the investigations into the shootings continue, it remains to be seen what, if any, action will be taken against the ICE agents involved and whether the shootings will lead to reforms within the agency. In the meantime, the shootings serve as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between ICE and immigrant communities and the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
Sources:
The Guardian. (2026, January 26). The Guardian view on a second ICE killing in Minneapolis: midnight in America | Editorial. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/26/the-guardian-view-on-a-second-ice-killing-in-minneapolis-midnight-in-america-
American Civil Liberties Union. (n.d.). Immigrants' Rights. American Civil Liberties Union. https://www.aclu.org/issues/immigrants-rights
Star Tribune. (2026, January 23). Minnesota Senators call for investigation into ICE shooting of woman in Minneapolis. Star Tribune. https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-senators-call-for-investigation-into-ice-shooting-of-woman-in-minneapolis/570012052/
