This past week saw continued mass protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the state of Minnesota. The protests began in response to a large operation the agency began carrying out in December 2025 to detain and deport undocumented immigrants. Many in the state feel the operation is a violation of civil liberties and federal overreach, arguing agencies within the federal bureaucracy should not be responsible for local and state law enforcement. Many others in Minnesota and throughout the country have expressed their horror at the conduct of ICE agents and their unnecessary use of force against detainees.
On January 7, ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed 37-year-old Renée Nicole Good in her car. The Department of Homeland Security argued that Good attempted to strike Ross and the surrounding agents with her vehicle, claiming that Ross suffered from internal bleeding and was subsequently admitted to a local hospital. However, it is important to note that the department has not released any medical records, causing many commentators to question the validity of the claim.
This past Saturday, on January 24, 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse working for the Department of Veterans Affairs, was shot and killed in Minneapolis after being pepper-sprayed and forced to the ground by ICE agents. A forensic audio analysis by ABC News concluded 10 shots in total were fired.
“We are heartbroken but also very angry,” wrote Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, in a statement to CBS News. “Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse…”
The Prettis also condemned the actions of the administration.
“The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting.”
In response to Pretti’s murder, thousands across Minnesota have erupted in what is being called the “ICE Out” protest. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz deployed the Minnesota National Guard in order to avoid further conflict.
The incident of Pretti’s murder has sparked nationwide outrage, including here at ERHS. Student Max Neimeyer shared his thoughts on this topic.
“I think people are starting to get pretty tired of the whole administration thinking we’re stupid… They’re all saying, ‘Oh, he was a domestic terrorist, he was armed.’ Minnesota is an open carry state.” Neimeyer continued, “He never touches his gun; the only thing he has in his hands is a phone. And moments before he died, he was blocking pepper spray from a woman that ICE pushed over… It’s inexcusable.”
Neimeyer also shared what he believes will end this unrest.
“Hopefully, the midterms help. I feel like the actions of the Trump administration are going to have a lot of push-back and the political pendulum is going to swing back… I feel like if there are a lot of Democratic seats after the midterms, a lot of this will be stopped.”
The tension remains high this week across the nation. Many Americans, including some who voted for President Trump in the past presidential election, are furious with the administration’s actions. Many others wonder when this conflict will end. With little relief in sight, Americans will likely continue to wait, protest, or debate.
