Minneapolis Unrest After ICE Shooting Cancels Events Nationwide

Minneapolis in Turmoil After Second Fatal ICE Shooting in Weeks

The city of Minneapolis is facing escalating tensions and widespread cancellations of major events following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents. The incident, which occurred during protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has led to the postponement of NBA games, concerts, and cultural events across the city as authorities grapple with growing unrest.

Second Fatal Shooting Sparks National Outrage

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital, was shot and killed by federal agents on January 24, 2026, during what witnesses describe as an attempt to help a woman who had been pepper-sprayed. This marks the second fatal shooting by immigration authorities in Minneapolis in just weeks, following the death of 37-year-old Renée Good earlier in January. Both incidents have ignited nationwide protests against ICE's enforcement tactics.

According to the Guardian, Pretti was a registered nurse and U.S. citizen who was participating in protests against what city officials have called a federal 'occupation' by Homeland Security agents. Video footage shows officers tackling Pretti, who was filming with his phone, before multiple shots were fired.

Conflicting Accounts and Political Fallout

The Department of Homeland Security claims that agents fired 'defensive shots' after Pretti approached them with a handgun and violently resisted disarmament attempts. However, eyewitness accounts and video evidence appear to contradict this narrative. 'Four or five agents had him on the ground and just started shooting. They hit him so many times,' one witness told CNN.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has strongly condemned the federal response, calling the DHS account 'nonsense' and 'lies' after reviewing video of the incident. Walz has activated the Minnesota National Guard and called on President Trump to immediately halt ICE operations in the state. 'How many residents, how many Americans have to be seriously injured before this stops?' asked Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey at a press conference.

Event Cancellations and Economic Impact

The unrest has led to significant disruptions across Minneapolis. The NBA postponed the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors game scheduled for the Target Center, citing 'community safety and security concerns.' The Minneapolis Institute of Art has closed for the weekend, and a planned parade has been canceled. These cancellations represent a substantial economic blow to the city's entertainment and tourism sectors.

According to AP News, the shooting occurred during what appears to be an immigration crackdown, with federal officers involved in the operation. The situation prompted significant disruption throughout the city.

Nationwide Protests and Growing Tensions

Protests have erupted in cities across the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and San Francisco. Demonstrators are calling for the abolition of ICE and justice for both Pretti and Good. The protests reflect growing national outrage over immigration enforcement tactics that many view as increasingly militarized.

The Time magazine report notes that the incident occurred just one day after 50,000 people peacefully demonstrated at the 'Ice Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom' protest. Federal agents responded to subsequent protests with tear gas, flash bang grenades, and pepper balls.

Broader Implications for Immigration Policy

This incident highlights the deepening divide between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), created as part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, has become increasingly controversial under the Trump administration. Following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025, ICE became the largest and most well-funded federal law enforcement agency in U.S. history.

As protests continue and investigations unfold, the Minneapolis community remains on edge. The intersection where Pretti was killed has become a makeshift memorial, with candles and flowers marking the spot where another life was lost in what many are calling an escalating conflict between federal authorities and American citizens.