Celebrities Rally Against ICE Following Fatal Shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on January 24 has ignited a wave of condemnation from celebrities and activists across the country. The incident, which occurred in Minneapolis, has drawn sharp criticism of ICE’s tactics and prompted calls for accountability and reform. This tragedy follows closely on the heels of another fatal shooting involving ICE agents and a local resident, Renee Nicole Good, intensifying scrutiny on the agency.
Videos capturing the moments leading up to Pretti’s death have circulated widely on social media, fueling public outrage. Several high-profile figures have used their platforms to denounce the actions of ICE and the federal government’s handling of immigration enforcement. Actor Mark Ruffalo described the killing as “cold blooded murder on an American street,” emphasizing the danger posed by what he called “a criminal army from within.” His comments, shared on Instagram, reflect growing frustration with the agency’s presence in communities.
At the Sundance Film Festival, actress Natalie Portman expressed her horror at the situation, condemning both ICE and the Trump administration. “What’s going on in our country right now is absolutely horrific with the federal government, Trump’s government, Kristi Noem… ICE,” she said, calling their actions “the worst of the worst of humanity.” Similarly, Florence Pugh honored Pretti as a hero and an ICU nurse, challenging narratives that label him otherwise. She posted on Instagram, “It’s a murder. He was murdered. He was protecting a woman who was thrown on the floor.”
Other celebrities such as Lisa Rinna and Walton Goggins have echoed these sentiments, warning that ICE’s actions threaten all communities. Rinna shared a post declaring, “ICE does not belong in our communities,” while Goggins called the killings “wrong” and emphasized that the issue transcends political affiliation.
Musician Olivia Rodrigo and poet Amanda Gorman have also voiced their support for Minnesota residents affected by these events. Gorman penned a poem titled Murdered by I.C.E. dedicated to Alex Pretti, while Rodrigo urged collective action against what she described as “unconscionable” behavior by ICE. Actress Zoey Deutch wore an “ICE Out” pin at Sundance, explaining in an interview that she felt both pride and shame witnessing the country’s response to these incidents.
The controversy surrounding ICE’s role in local law enforcement has drawn attention from civil rights organizations and government watchdogs. According to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE is tasked with enforcing immigration laws and protecting public safety, but critics argue that recent operations have resulted in excessive use of force and violations of civil liberties.
Public pressure has mounted for increased transparency and oversight. The American Civil Liberties Union has been vocal in calling for reforms to prevent further tragedies. Meanwhile, the ICE agency has faced demands to clarify the circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death and the protocols followed by its agents.
As the debate continues, the Minneapolis community remains deeply affected. Local officials and advocacy groups are urging calm and dialogue, while demanding justice for those lost. The incident has become a focal point in the broader national conversation about immigration enforcement, civil rights, and the role of federal agencies in community safety.
For more information on immigration enforcement policies and public safety, visit the Department of Homeland Security and the American Civil Liberties Union websites.
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