Minneapolis saw one of the largest protest mobilizations in its modern history this weekend, as hundreds of thousands of demonstrators — possibly nearing one million people — filled downtown streets, bridges, and public squares in response to the fatal shooting of a local man by a federal immigration agent.
Despite bitter winter temperatures, the turnout was enormous, with marchers stretching for blocks and rallies spilling into surrounding neighborhoods. Organizers and local observers described the crowds as far exceeding typical protest activity, with attendance growing steadily from Friday through Sunday.
What Sparked the Protests
The demonstrations were ignited by the killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, who was shot during a federal immigration enforcement operation. Federal authorities initially claimed the agent acted in self-defense, alleging Pretti was armed.
However, bystander video and witness accounts circulating widely online appear to contradict that claim, showing Pretti holding a cellphone, not a weapon, after being tackled. The footage has intensified public outrage and fueled demands for accountability, transparency, and independent investigation.
The anger has been compounded by another fatal encounter earlier this month involving federal immigration agents, reinforcing long-standing concerns in the Twin Cities over aggressive enforcement tactics and use of force.
What Protesters Are Saying
Chants of “Justice for Alex,” “No justice, no peace,” and “End federal violence” echoed through downtown as demonstrators carried signs accusing federal agencies of operating with impunity.
Many protesters said the issue goes beyond a single incident.
“This isn’t just about one man — it’s about a pattern,” said one demonstrator. Others described fear and mistrust of federal immigration enforcement, arguing that tactics meant for immigration control are being applied broadly and dangerously, even against U.S. citizens.
Calls to remove ICE and other federal immigration agents from Minnesota, overhaul federal enforcement policies, and hold agents criminally accountable were among the most common demands. Some groups openly called for the dismantling or abolition of ICE altogether.
Scale and Scope of the Demonstrations
The scale of the protests was unprecedented for Minneapolis in recent years. Marches shut down major thoroughfares, clogged freeway ramps, and halted normal business activity across much of the city. Labor unions, faith leaders, students, healthcare workers, and entire families were visible in the crowds, signaling broad participation beyond traditional activist circles.
Organizers described the mobilization as a “mass civic uprising,” while city officials privately acknowledged crowd sizes far beyond initial expectations.
Tensions With Authorities
While many demonstrations remained peaceful, tensions flared at times between protesters and law enforcement. Tear gas and crowd-control measures were deployed in limited areas after nightfall, further inflaming tensions and drawing criticism from civil liberties advocates.
State and local leaders have publicly questioned the federal government’s handling of the incident, while federal officials maintain that agents acted within the law.
A Broader Movement
The Minneapolis protests are now being viewed as part of a growing national backlash against federal immigration enforcement tactics, with solidarity demonstrations emerging in other major cities.
For many participants, the weekend was about more than policy — it was about reclaiming a sense of safety, dignity, and accountability.
As one protester put it: “If this can happen here, to someone like Alex, it can happen to anyone.”
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