Minneapolis, Minnesota — A widening rift has emerged between the federal government and America’s corporate establishment following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
More than 60 major companies and business leaders — many headquartered in Minnesota — have publicly condemned the actions of federal immigration agents, warning that aggressive enforcement tactics have destabilized communities, disrupted commerce, and resulted in what they describe as an unnecessary loss of life.
In an open letter released Sunday by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, executives called for an “immediate deescalation of tensions” and urged coordination between state, local, and federal authorities.
“The recent challenges facing our state have created widespread disruption and tragic loss of life,” the letter states. “There are ways for us to come together to foster progress.”
A Shooting That Shook the Business Community
The killing of Alex Pretti on Saturday intensified an already volatile debate over the conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol operations in Minnesota.
Federal officials initially claimed Pretti approached agents while brandishing a semi-automatic handgun and posed an imminent threat. Video footage released afterward appears to contradict that account, showing Pretti holding what witnesses say was a cellphone, not a weapon. Friends, colleagues, and fellow healthcare workers insist he was engaged in non-violent protest.
The shooting came just two weeks after another fatal encounter involving federal agents in the state, further fueling protests and drawing scrutiny from civic leaders and employers alike.
Household Names Join the Rebuke
Among the signatories are some of the largest corporations in the United States, including Target, Best Buy, UnitedHealth Group, Medtronic, 3M, General Mills, and U.S. Bancorp. Professional sports franchises — including the Minnesota Vikings, Timberwolves, Twins, Wild, and United FC — also endorsed the letter on behalf of their organizations.
While the CEOs reaffirmed their commitment to investing and operating in Minnesota, their unusually direct criticism underscores how federal enforcement actions are now alienating not just activists and local officials, but the state’s economic backbone.
Tech and Labor Leaders Speak Out
Condemnation has extended beyond Minnesota. Jeff Dean, chief scientist at Google DeepMind, reacted to footage of the incident by calling it “absolutely shameful,” accusing agents of escalating a situation that ended in the killing of a defenseless citizen.
Labor organizations echoed that sentiment. The AFL-CIO confirmed Pretti was a VA intensive care unit nurse and a union member, describing his death as “senseless” and calling for accountability.
Political Lines Harden
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz framed the moment as a national test, saying Americans across the political spectrum should be able to agree that misrepresenting a citizen’s death is unacceptable.
Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi sharply criticized Minnesota leaders, accusing the state of failing to enforce federal immigration law and blaming local officials for what she described as growing lawlessness. Bondi reiterated the administration’s commitment to aggressive enforcement, calling on Minnesota to “change course.”
What Comes Next
Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have both called on the administration to halt ICE operations in the state, at least temporarily. With protests continuing and more demonstrations expected, pressure is mounting for an independent investigation into Pretti’s death and a reassessment of federal tactics.
For now, one reality is clear: the fallout from Alex Pretti’s killing has crossed a critical threshold. When Fortune 500 companies, professional sports leagues, labor unions, and tech leaders all speak with one voice, the debate over immigration enforcement has moved far beyond politics — into the heart of America’s economic and civic life.
Companies & Organizations Signing the Letter
3M
Allianz Life Insurance Company
Allina
Ameriprise Financial
Anchor Paper
Andersen Corporation
APi Group
Best Buy
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
Boston Scientific
Cargill
Carlson
CentraCare Health
C.H. Robinson
CHS
Children’s Minnesota
CJ Schwan's
Delta Dental of Minnesota
Deluxe Corporation
Donaldson Company
ECMC Group
Ecolab
Essentia Health
Fairview Health Services
Faribault Mill
Gardner Builders
General Mills
Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare
Greater MSP
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
HealthPartners
Hormel
Kraus-Anderson
Land O'Lakes
Liberty Diversified International
Marsden Holding
Mayo Clinic
Medica
Medtronic
Minnesota Business Partnership
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
**Minnesota Timberwolves / Minnesota Lynx
Minnesota Twins
Minnesota United FC
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Wild
Mortenson
New Horizon Academy
nVent
Patterson Companies
Pentair
Piper Sandler
Pohlad Companies
Prime Therapeutics
Red Wing Shoes
Ryan Companies
Securian Financial Group
Sleep Number
SPS Commerce
Target
Tennant Company
Thrivent
The Toro Company
UnitedHealth Group
U.S. Bancorp
Winnebago Industries
Xcel Energy
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