Second American Citizen Fatally Shot During ICE Mission in Minneapolis
Published on: January 27, 2026, 11:34 am
By Peter Trankner
For the second time in less than three weeks, an American citizen has been shot and killed during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Minneapolis. The latest incident involved Alex Pretti, a nurse who was fatally wounded when at least ten shots were fired during the federal enforcement action. This tragic event follows the earlier shooting death of American citizen Renee Good during another ICE deployment in the same city.
Constitutional Questions Over Federal Authority
The fundamental issue emerging from these incidents transcends the debate about immigration enforcement. While states undoubtedly possess the authority to protect borders and deport individuals residing illegally within their jurisdiction, the critical question centers on whether state action remains subject to legal constraints and constitutional protections.
Following the first shooting, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance made the remarkable statement that ICE officials would enjoy "absolute immunity" from state criminal jurisdiction. This position was further amplified by Republican Congressman Wesley Hunt, a staunch Trump supporter, who advised citizens: "If a federal official gives you instructions, follow them and you keep your life!"
America's Founding Principles at Stake
The United States was founded on principles explicitly rejecting arbitrary state power. These foundational ideals, articulated in both the Declaration of Independence's guarantee of "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" and the U.S. Constitution, establish that no governmental entity or official operates beyond legal accountability.
A hallmark of successful liberal democracies is that citizens maintain a healthy skepticism toward state power, ensured through legal mechanisms that prevent lawless spaces—especially for government officials. The apparent legal vacuum surrounding ICE operations represents a dangerous departure from these core American values.
Disturbing Parallels and Legal Imperatives
The violent nature of these encounters has drawn disturbing comparisons. When multiple ICE officials use excessive force against vulnerable individuals, such as the reported incident where "four or five strong men throw themselves a helpless woman with force to the ground," it evokes troubling historical parallels that contradict America's self-image.
As former President Ronald Reagan eloquently stated: "Our commitment to criminal justice goes far beyond our desire to punish the guilty or to deter those who want to take a lawless path. We must never forget that our laws represent the collective moral voice of a free society."
The shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis cannot be tolerated without thorough criminal investigation and legal accountability. For America to remain true to its foundational principles, the justice system must fully address these incidents, ensuring that federal officials operate within legal boundaries and that citizens' constitutional rights remain inviolable.
