MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Saturday morning began cold and quiet on the famous Eat Street, renowned for its eclectic cafes and eateries in Minneapolis. Yet the scene turned dramatically within hours following the death of a protester in a federal immigration operation that reignited community tensions.
The violence erupted around 9 a.m. when an immigration officer shot 37-year-old Alex Pretti, leading to profound global attention and resulting in dynamic protests. Videos captured the immediacy of the situation, showing federal agents on top of Pretti as shots rang out.
Within minutes, the calm atmosphere shifted irreversibly as protesters amassed, many using whistles to signal the presence of federal agents. The ensuing confrontations blended anger, sorrow, and demands for immediate action against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations that have plagued the city recently.
As the clashes continued, authorities struggled to control the crowd, using tear gas, flash bangs, and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators. However, protesters regrouped multiple times, asserting their presence over the area around the shooting site, determined to voice their discontent.
By mid-afternoon, a makeshift memorial had sprung up where people placed flowers and candles, highlighting the community's grief for Pretti. Handwritten signs decrying ICE’s presence were prominent amidst the grief, drawing parallels to recent protests following George Floyd's death in 2020.
Law enforcement retreated from the area as evening approached, allowing protesters to establish a solemn vigil at the makeshift memorial. Local businesses closed in response to the unrest, and collaborations between the police and Minnesota National Guard were established to ensure a peaceful demonstration environment.
As night fell, those gathered reflected on the escalating violence in the community. It feels like every day something crazier happens, remarked Caleb Spike, indicating a desperate need for resolution amidst prevailing chaos.
