Nationwide Fury Erupts: Protests Sweep US Cities Over ICE Shootings of US Citizens

January 26, 2026

A wave of outrage and mass demonstrations has gripped cities across the United States this weekend, as protesters demand accountability and an end to aggressive federal immigration enforcement following the fatal shootings of two American citizens by ICE and Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis within weeks of each other.

Twin Tragedies Spark National Uproar

The unrest intensified after 37 year old ICU nurse Alex Pretti was shot and killed by federal agents in south Minneapolis on Saturday morning during an encounter that quickly turned deadly. Bystander video circulating widely shows agents wrestling Pretti to the ground before multiple shots were fired.

The incident came less than three weeks after Renee Nicole Good, another US citizen, was fatally shot by an ICE agent in the same city. Both victims were Minnesota residents with no apparent criminal records tied to immigration violations, fueling accusations of excessive force and poor training.

Protests Explode from Coast to Coast

Thousands took to the streets in Minneapolis on Sunday, braving freezing temperatures to march through downtown and gather near the scene of Pretti's shooting. Demonstrators chanted "Protect us? You're killing us" and held signs calling for ICE abolition and justice for the victims.

Similar rallies erupted in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Portland, Seattle, Honolulu, and dozens of other locations. In Hawaii, activists demanded a complete shutdown of ICE operations. Protesters in Chicago marched through downtown, while crowds in Los Angeles denounced what they called a pattern of lethal overreach.

Organizers described the actions as part of a broader "ICE Out" movement, with some calling for economic boycotts and sustained civil disobedience until reforms are enacted.

Political Firestorm and Official Responses

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz labeled the second shooting an "inflection point" and urged President Trump to withdraw federal agents from the state, warning of escalating community tensions. The ACLU and local rights groups demanded immediate investigations and condemned what they termed systemic failures in federal tactics.

Border Patrol officials defended the actions, with one commander attributing the deaths to "poor choices" by the victims. A federal judge granted a temporary restraining order limiting certain DHS activities in the region pending review.

Even some Republican voices called for deeper probes into immigration enforcement methods, signaling rare bipartisan concern over the incidents.

Mounting Death Toll Amid Immigration Crackdown

The shootings add to a growing tally of fatalities linked to intensified enforcement since the start of the second Trump administration. Reports indicate multiple deaths in custody or during operations, though officials maintain agents acted in self defense or under threat.

Advocates argue the aggressive push for mass deportations has created a climate of fear and violence, while supporters of the policies insist stronger measures are necessary for border security.

Uncertain Path Ahead

As protests show no signs of abating and viral videos continue to spread, the incidents have thrust ICE and federal immigration tactics into the national spotlight once again. Calls for congressional hearings, independent reviews, and sweeping reforms grow louder by the day.

With tensions high and demonstrations planned through the week, the nation watches to see whether this latest flashpoint leads to policy changes or further escalation in the heated debate over immigration enforcement and public safety.