29-01-2026

Tensions Rise After Fatal ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

Date: 29-01-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 4 | cbsnews.com: 2 | economist.com: 4 | edition.cnn.com: 5 | news.sky.com: 1 | npr.org: 2 | nypost.com: 3 | nytimes.com: 2 | theguardian.com: 1
Image for cluster 6
Image Source:

Source: nypost.com

Image content: The image shows the front page of a newspaper, the New York Post. The main subject is police officers subduing a person near a vehicle, with a headline reading "MINNESOTA BURNING" and "NOT AGAIN." Three masked police officers in tactical gear are surrounding a person, with one officer holding them against a car. A smaller inset photo shows a man, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, with a caption describing the event. The image is described as: Police officers are subduing a person near a vehicle on the front page of the New York Post, with a headline reading "MINNESOTA BURNING" and "NOT AGAIN." Three officers in tactical gear are surrounding the individual.

Summary

A series of incidents involving ICE agents and federal authorities in Minneapolis has sparked widespread protests, outrage, and calls for accountability. The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, by Border Patrol agents has led to a diplomatic crisis, with Ecuador condemning an attempt by a US federal immigration agent to enter its consulate. The incident has also exposed internal power struggles within the Homeland Security Department and raised questions about the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Key Points

  • ICE agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti have been placed on administrative leave
  • Ecuador condemned an attempt by a US federal immigration agent to enter its consulate in Minneapolis
  • US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was attacked at a town hall event, with a man spraying liquid from a syringe at her
  • President Trump has announced plans to 'de-escalate' federal immigration operations in Minneapolis
  • The incident has sparked widespread protests and outrage, with calls for greater accountability and changes to immigration policies

Articles in this Cluster

Border agents involved in fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis placed on leave

US Customs and Border Protection agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, in Minneapolis have been placed on administrative leave. The incident has sparked protests and outcry across the US, with lawmakers from both parties calling for the removal of the Department of Homeland Security secretary. The shooting has also led to a war of words between President Donald Trump and Minneapolis Mayor Frey, who has refused to change the city's sanctuary policies. A federal judge has ordered the government to release refugees arrested by immigration agents while awaiting their permanent residency documents.
Entities: Alex Pretti, Minneapolis, US Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, Donald TrumpTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Ecuador condemns ICE agent's attempt to enter Minneapolis consulate

The government of Ecuador has condemned an attempt by a US federal immigration agent to enter the Ecuadorean consulate in Minneapolis, describing it as a violation of the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. The incident occurred during a time of high tension in the city, following the fatal shooting of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti by border agents during protests against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Ecuador's foreign ministry filed an official complaint and handed a protest letter to the US embassy in Quito.
Entities: Ecuador, US, Minneapolis, ICE, Alex PrettiTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

'I don't let bullies win,' says US congresswoman Omar after substance thrown at her

US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was attacked at a town hall event in Minneapolis when an audience member used a syringe to spray liquid at her. Omar was uninjured and continued to speak, saying 'I don't let bullies win.' A 55-year-old man, Anthony James Kazmierczak, has been charged with third-degree assault. The attack comes amid heightened tensions over immigration policies, with Omar being a vocal critic of President Donald Trump's crackdown in Minnesota. Trump has previously clashed with Omar and other Minnesota Democratic officials, and has made personal attacks against her. The incident has sparked outrage, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemning the violence and intimidation.
Entities: Ilhan Omar, Minneapolis, Anthony James Kazmierczak, Donald Trump, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)Tone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump says government will 'de-escalate a little bit' in Minnesota after Pretti shooting

US President Donald Trump has announced that his administration will 'de-escalate a little bit' in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers. The incident has sparked widespread protests and criticism from lawmakers. Trump defended the Minnesota operation, claiming it had taken thousands of 'hardened criminals' out of the state, but said the administration would 'de-escalate' after Pretti's death.
Entities: Donald Trump, Minnesota, Alex Pretti, Renee Good, Kristi NoemTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Milan mayor calls ICE "a militia that kills" and says agents not welcome as part of U.S. Olympic security - CBS News

Milan's Mayor Giuseppe Sala has criticized the involvement of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the security operations for the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Milan, calling them 'a militia that kills.' The U.S. State Department has stated that ICE's investigative component, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), will support the Diplomatic Security Service during the Olympics, but ICE will not be involved in policing or managing security. Sala expressed concerns about ICE's methods and alignment with Italian democratic security management. The controversy comes amid reports of ICE agents' actions in Minneapolis, including the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents.
Entities: Milan, Giuseppe Sala, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Winter Olympic Games, U.S. State DepartmentTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Video shows Alex Pretti in scuffle with federal agents 11 days before his death - CBS News

A newly released video shows Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, confronting federal immigration officers in Minneapolis 11 days before he was fatally shot by Customs and Border Protection agents. The video, recorded on January 13, shows Pretti kicking and damaging a government SUV, leading to a scuffle with agents. Pretti's family representative confirmed the incident and stated that he sustained injuries but did not receive medical care. The incident has raised questions about the justification of Pretti's killing, with his family's attorney stating that the earlier incident could not have justified the use of deadly force. The agents involved in the shooting have been placed on leave.
Entities: Alex Pretti, Minneapolis, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland SecurityTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

America has coped with worse things than Donald Trump

The article discusses the current state of American politics, citing the recent killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent and the subsequent response by the federal government under President Donald Trump. The author argues that Trump's actions are provocative and may lead to unrest, but notes that America has faced worse challenges in its history. The article highlights the need for leaders to learn from history and navigate the country through its current difficulties.
Entities: America, Donald Trump, Renee Good, Minneapolis, ICETone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: critique

Another horrifying shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis

The article discusses a recent shooting incident in Minneapolis involving federal agents, specifically Border Patrol agents, who were conducting a 'targeted operation'. The incident was captured on video, showing the agents tackling a man, followed by a struggle, and ultimately shooting him multiple times. The article raises concerns about the use of excessive force by federal agents and the challenges of prosecuting them due to the 'supremacy clause'. It also touches on the broader context of immigration policies and the optics of such incidents.
Entities: Minneapolis, Border Patrol, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Nicollet Avenue, Eat StreetTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: critique

Immigration agents have become Donald Trump’s personal posse

The article discusses how Donald Trump's immigration policies, particularly the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have sparked widespread outrage and controversy. The killings of two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were protesting against ICE's deportation drive, have put the administration on the back foot. The article argues that Trump's immigration policies have become a liability for America and increasingly for him. It highlights the aggressive nature of ICE's actions and the negative reaction from various quarters, including Democratic politicians like Ilhan Omar.
Entities: Donald Trump, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Renee Good, Alex Pretti, Ilhan OmarTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: critique

Republicans are waking up to the awful optics in Minneapolis

The article discusses the growing concern among Republicans about the negative optics of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, particularly after the shooting of two citizens by federal officers. Democrats are using their leverage to withhold government funding in protest, with a budgeting deadline looming on January 30th. Some Republicans acknowledge that the crackdown has gone wrong and are starting to speak out against it.
Entities: Donald Trump, Minneapolis, Washington, Congress, RepublicansTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Analysis: Why the Minnesota deportation impasse will be so hard to solve | CNN PoliticsClose icon

The article discusses the ongoing deportation impasse in Minnesota, sparked by the shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents. President Donald Trump's administration is facing opposition from local leaders and Democrats, who accuse the administration of using aggressive and unconstitutional tactics. The situation has led to widespread protests and calls for greater accountability. Trump has temporarily de-escalated the situation but continues to use inflammatory rhetoric, making a long-term resolution uncertain. The article highlights the deep-seated divide between the administration's immigration policies and the views of many Americans, particularly in Democratic jurisdictions.
Entities: Donald Trump, Minnesota, Alex Pretti, Minneapolis, Jacob FreyTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Justice Department bracing for more resignations in Minnesota | CNN PoliticsClose icon

The US Justice Department is preparing for potential resignations in the Minnesota federal prosecutors' office due to disagreements over the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts. Prosecutors are concerned that the administration is taking potentially unlawful steps, and some have threatened to resign. The department is taking steps to mitigate the impact, including bringing in prosecutors from other offices and sending military lawyers to assist. The situation is being closely watched by Justice Department officials in Washington.
Entities: Justice Department, Minnesota, Trump administration, US Attorney Daniel Rosen, Renee GoodTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Key takeaways from federal reserve chair’s press conference | CNN Business

The article discusses key takeaways from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's press conference, where the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady. The article is accompanied by various other news stories, including a Minnesota GOP lawmaker being pressed on whether he saw a riot, a DC bishop reflecting on her immigration message to Trump, and several other news briefs. The main focus is on Powell's press conference, with CNN's Matt Egan breaking down the event.
Entities: Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, Minnesota, Elliott Engen, Alex PrettiTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Takeaways from CNN’s Minnesota town hall | CNN PoliticsClose icon

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey participated in a CNN town hall where he stood by the city's sanctuary policies and demanded that federal immigration agents leave Minneapolis. The discussion followed the killings of two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and tensions between local and federal officials. Frey had a 'productive' conversation with President Donald Trump but maintained his stance on not cooperating with federal immigration laws. Other participants, including Republican state lawmakers and faith leaders, shared their perspectives on the crisis. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara criticized federal agents' tactics, calling them 'questionable.'
Entities: Minneapolis, Jacob Frey, CNN, Renee Good, Alex PrettiTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Video shows physical clash between Alex Pretti and federal agents 11 days before he was fatally shot | CNNClose iconClose iconClose icon

A new video has emerged showing a physical clash between Alex Pretti and federal agents 11 days before he was fatally shot by Customs and Border Protection agents. A representative for Pretti's family confirmed that the man in the video is Pretti. The incident is being reported as part of the ongoing coverage of Pretti's death and the surrounding circumstances.
Entities: Alex Pretti, Customs and Border Protection, CNN, Federal agents, MinneapolisTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

ICE victim wasn't a 'would-be assassin', Trump says | US News | Sky News

US President Donald Trump has distanced himself from comments made by his advisers regarding the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, by ICE agents in Minneapolis. Trump described the incident as 'very unfortunate' and stated that Pretti shouldn't have been carrying a gun. The incident has sparked controversy, with Democrats and some Republicans calling for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Trump has announced plans to 'de-escalate' federal immigration operations in Minneapolis.
Entities: Donald Trump, Alex Pretti, ICE, Minneapolis, Stephen MillerTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

How the Minneapolis killings look from Trump country : NPR

The article discusses the reactions of Trump supporters in Denton, Maryland, to the killing of Alex Pretti and Renee Macklin Good by federal agents in Minneapolis. While many people across the country were outraged by the shootings, some Trump supporters in Denton backed the agents and continued to support the president's immigration policies. The article highlights the perspectives of several individuals in Denton, including Allistaire Lawrence, Jennifer Barrow, and Jeff Wright, who share their views on the shootings, immigration, and the role of federal agents.
Entities: Alex Pretti, Renee Macklin Good, Donald Trump, Minneapolis, DentonTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Minneapolis shootings and protests : NPR

The article discusses the Minneapolis shootings and protests that occurred in January 2026, sparked by the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Macklin Good, by federal immigration officers. The incident led to widespread outrage, protests, and clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz, criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies and the deployment of federal agents to the state. The article highlights the tensions between the state and federal governments, as well as the community's response to the tragedy.
Entities: Minneapolis, Alex Pretti, Renee Macklin Good, Federal immigration officers, President TrumpTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

America needs to hear 'You're fired!' again, President Trump

The article argues that President Trump needs to fire a member of his administration to demonstrate decisive action and reassure independent voters after the ICE shootings in Minnesota. The author compares Trump's potential second term to 'The Apprentice' and suggests that without 'You're fired!', the ratings will be low, and his agenda will be at risk. The article emphasizes the need for Trump to stick to his guns on immigration enforcement but also to be smarter about it. A high-level firing is seen as necessary to signal change and put a face on failure.
Entities: Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Alejandro Mayorkas, Janet Yellen, MinnesotaTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: persuade

Photo of Alex Pretti altered by AI to look more 'pretty' was originally staff portrait at Minneapolis VA hospital

A photo of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was altered using AI to make him appear more 'pretty' and was circulated among protesters and some news outlets after his fatal shooting by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis. The original staff portrait from the Minneapolis VA hospital was shared by the Service Employees International Union, but an AI-altered version was used instead, sparking speculation that it was done to make Pretti a more appealing 'poster boy' for the anti-ICE movement. The incident has raised concerns about the use of altered images in reporting and the actions of federal authorities.
Entities: Alex Pretti, Minneapolis, Border Patrol, Service Employees International Union, VA hospitalTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Rep. Ilhan Omar suggests Trump is to blame for syringe attack

Rep. Ilhan Omar suggests that President Trump is to blame for a syringe attack against her, citing his 'hateful rhetoric' and 'obsession' with her. The attacker, Anthony Kazmierczak, allegedly targeted Omar because he was upset that Trump's order to deport Somalis was not yielding enough results. Omar blamed Trump for a surge in death threats against her, which she claims skyrocketed when Trump was in office and used 'hateful rhetoric' to talk about her and her community. Trump has previously made comments criticizing Omar and calling for her to be deported or jailed.
Entities: Rep. Ilhan Omar, President Trump, Anthony Kazmierczak, Minneapolis, Karmel MallTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

America at a Boiling Point: From ICE Protests to an Attack on Rep. Omar - The New York Times

The article discusses the rising tide of violence and political polarization in the United States, highlighting recent incidents such as the attack on Representative Ilhan Omar and the killings of two American citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis. The article suggests that the country's social fabric is fraying, with the line between politics and violence becoming increasingly blurred. President Trump's rhetoric is criticized for stoking fears and vilifying certain groups, contributing to the toxic atmosphere. The article also notes the increasing number of threats against lawmakers and their families, with the US Capitol Police reporting a surge in threat cases. The looming midterm elections are seen as a catalyst for further polarization, with both parties casting the outcome in existential terms.
Entities: Ilhan Omar, Donald Trump, Minneapolis, United States, IowaTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Shooting Aftermath Leaves Homeland Security Department in Turmoil - The New York Times

The Trump administration's handling of a deadly shooting by border authorities in Minneapolis has exposed internal power struggles within the Homeland Security Department. The incident has led to widespread concern among officials and lawmakers over the department's future. The article highlights the role of Stephen Miller, the deputy White House chief of staff, in shaping the administration's immigration agenda and the tensions between Miller and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The situation has raised questions about the department's leadership and the administration's approach to immigration enforcement.
Entities: Homeland Security Department, Trump administration, Stephen Miller, Kristi Noem, Gregory BovinoTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

US congressman meets five-year-old Liam Ramos and his father at ICE detention center – as it happened | Minnesota ICE shootings | The Guardian

US Congressman Joaquin Castro visited five-year-old Liam Ramos and his father at an ICE detention center in Texas. Liam was detained by ICE on his way home from preschool, sparking controversy. Castro shared a photo of Liam with his father and expressed support. The visit comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding ICE operations in Minnesota, where a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from arresting and detaining refugees. The article also touches on other news, including Trump's 'Trump Accounts' initiative and the escalating threat of US-Iran war.
Entities: Joaquin Castro, Liam Ramos, ICE, Dilley detention center, TexasTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform