Nurse’s Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis Triggers Anti-ICE Protests Across California

Title: Nationwide Protests Erupt Following Fatal Shooting of Alex Pretti by Federal Immigration Officers

On January 24, 2026, protests erupted across Southern California as community members voiced their shock and outrage over the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers during an altercation in Minneapolis. The protests were part of a larger nationwide reaction to the incident, with many gathering to demand justice and express their discontent with immigration enforcement practices in the United States.

In Boyle Heights, approximately 70 individuals convened at Mariachi Plaza around 5 p.m. to honor Pretti’s memory and criticize the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Participants brought candles, signage, and a passionate resolve, chanting slogans such as “Justice for Alex” and “Legalization for All.” A shrine dedicated to Pretti, adorned with flowers, crosses, and candles, highlighted the community’s grief and urgency for reform. The scene reflected a collective mourning, amplified by the emotional weight of video footage that circulated on social media shortly after the incident.

Among the demonstrators was Carlos Montes of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, who called for greater activism and resistance against perceived injustices within the immigration system. Montes criticized then-President Trump’s policies, suggesting they fueled an environment of hostility and violence against marginalized communities. His passionate remarks resonated with the audience as they shouted, “long live the revolution!” This fervor encapsulated not only outrage over Pretti’s death but also a broader call for systemic change in immigration policies.

Reflecting the gravity of the situation, demonstrators expressed their resolve to challenge federal actions that they believe disproportionately affect immigrant communities. As the protest progressed, Los Angeles police shared updates on social media, highlighting the protest’s impact on traffic and local businesses. Despite the chaos, many cars honked in solidarity, underscoring a shared frustration with the treatment of individuals like Pretti at the hands of federal officers.

Pretti, a U.S. citizen and intensive care nurse at a Veterans Administration hospital, was a vocal critic of Trump’s immigration policies. Reports indicate that amidst the escalating tensions, federal officers claimed they acted in self-defense when confronted by a man, reportedly armed, who resisted attempts to disarm him. However, bystander videos suggest a markedly different narrative, with Pretti depicted holding only a cell phone, raising questions about the justification for the use of lethal force. The Minneapolis police corroborated that Pretti was a lawful gun owner, contributing to the already multifaceted nature of the case.

The tragic circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death have drawn considerable media attention, igniting discussions about law enforcement protocols, the militarization of immigration enforcement, and the human rights implications of current immigration policies. Just days earlier, on January 7, a similar incident involving an ICE officer resulted in the death of another individual, further stoking tensions and prompting calls for accountability and reform within ICE.

In the wake of these protests, more demonstrations are expected to take place in various Southern Californian cities, including Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga. The growing unrest signifies a pivotal moment where communities are uniting to demand change and bring visibility to the systemic issues faced by immigrants in the country. As the story unfolds, community members and allies alike are expected to continue rallying for justice not just for Alex Pretti, but for all those impacted by aggressive immigration enforcement practices across the nation.