The Obamas Accused Federal Officials of Escalating Violence Following the Killing of Alex Pretti by Immigration Officers in Minneapolis
Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama issued a sharply worded statement Sunday condemning federal immigration enforcement after the second fatal shooting by immigration officers in Minneapolis, accusing the Trump administration of escalating tensions and endangering residents.
In their statement, the Obamas said federal officers appear to be using tactics “designed to intimidate, harass, provoke and endanger” Minnesotans, adding that President Donald Trump and his administration “seem eager to escalate the situation.” The couple concluded bluntly: “This has to stop.”
The remarks come as Minneapolis continues to reel from two deadly encounters involving immigration law enforcement in less than three weeks, intensifying protests and deepening a rift between federal officials and state leaders. Demonstrators flooded city streets over the weekend despite frigid temperatures, clashing with federal agents amid an expanded immigration enforcement presence.
The Obamas directly challenged federal explanations surrounding the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, writing that public statements from the administration were “not informed by any serious investigation” and appeared to be contradicted by video evidence. Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse, was shot Saturday after stepping into a confrontation between an immigration officer and a woman on a south Minneapolis street.
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Federal officials have claimed agents fired defensively and said Pretti was armed, though bystander videos do not appear to show him holding a weapon. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed Pretti had a legal permit to carry a firearm. Pretti’s family said they are “heartbroken but also very angry,” describing him as compassionate and committed to helping others.
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to preserve all evidence related to the shooting after state and county officials filed suit. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said the action is intended to prevent evidence from being destroyed or altered before state investigators are able to review it. A court hearing is scheduled Monday in St. Paul.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has repeatedly called for federal immigration operations to halt, saying video evidence is critical and accusing federal leaders of attempting to “spin a narrative.” The Minnesota National Guard has been deployed to assist local police at protest sites and federal buildings.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Pretti interfered with a law enforcement operation but did not say whether he drew or brandished a weapon. Gun-rights groups noted that openly carrying firearms during protests is legal in Minnesota.
Political criticism has widened beyond traditional party lines. Democratic leaders including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for federal immigration authorities to leave Minnesota and urged lawmakers to refuse further funding for ICE. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer later said Democrats would not support a federal spending package that includes funding for the Department of Homeland Security, raising the possibility of a partial government shutdown.
Trump responded by blaming Minnesota officials, accusing Walz and Minneapolis leaders of “inciting insurrection” and questioning why local police were not allowed to protect federal agents.
In their closing remarks, the Obamas urged Americans to support peaceful protests unfolding in Minneapolis and across the country. “They are a timely reminder,” the statement read, “that ultimately it’s up to each of us as citizens to speak out against injustice, protect our basic freedoms, and hold our government accountable.”
