SNL’s Michael Che Faces Backlash Over ICE Joke Amid Minneapolis Shooting Controversy
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The recent fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent has ignited a firestorm of public outrage and scrutiny, a controversy that spilled over onto the stage of Saturday Night Live this past weekend. During the show’s Weekend Update segment, comedian Michael Che addressed the incident with a sharp critique of ICE’s actions, but his approach has drawn mixed reactions from viewers, some of whom felt the humor was insufficiently forceful given the gravity of the situation.
Pretti was shot and killed in Minneapolis, just weeks after the shooting death of 37-year-old mother Renee Nicole Good. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed the nurse was killed in self-defense, alleging he “violently resisted” an agent’s attempt to disarm him. However, video footage reviewed by major news outlets including CNN, The New York Times, and CBS News appears to contradict the official narrative, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Local Minnesota officials confirmed that Pretti was legally permitted to carry a firearm and had no criminal record. His family described him as a devoted nurse and a “kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends,” with a particular dedication to caring for American veterans.
On the January 24 episode of SNL, Michael Che opened the Weekend Update segment by referencing Vice President JD Vance’s recent remarks urging critics of ICE to “write an op-ed in the newspaper” or express their opinions on social media. Che responded with a pointed jab: “Vice President JD Vance criticized protesters confronting ICE officers, saying they should instead write an op-ed or argue about it on social media. You know, just like these young scholars did on January 6th,” as he displayed an image from the 2021 storming of the U.S. Capitol.
Che continued, “I get that ICE agents are people, allegedly, and they have a job to do. But at some point while you’re pepper-spraying old ladies or shooting at a nurse, do you ever stop to ask yourself, ‘Are we dicks?’” The line elicited laughter from the studio audience but sparked a wave of criticism online.
Some viewers took to social media and forums to express disappointment, describing the joke as “tame,” “weak,” and lacking the biting commentary they expected given the seriousness of the incident. One Reddit user wrote, “That was extremely lame compared to what just happened. They should have been more controversial and focused on what actually happened, maybe not even make fun of it.” Others felt that any attempt at humor was inappropriate, with one commenter stating, “I can’t laugh at this. A man was just executed in front of my local donut shop. Take a fucking stand.”
Calls for SNL to cancel the episode altogether emerged, with critics arguing that the situation demanded solemnity rather than satire. “I know that SNL is supposed to be funny, but this is absolutely not something that should be taken lightly by any measure at this point,” one viewer wrote. “Nothing about what is happening has comedy written on it. This needs to be taken 100% seriously with practical action being taken. All this does is numb stupid people to what’s going on and make them think, well if it’s being joked about it must not be as big of a deal. People need to wake the fuck up.”
The incident has reignited nationwide debates over the role and conduct of ICE agents, especially in light of increasing scrutiny from civil rights groups and lawmakers. The American Civil Liberties Union and other organizations have long criticized ICE for aggressive tactics and lack of accountability.
As the investigation into Pretti’s death continues, the public and media remain sharply divided over how to balance the need for accountability with the sensitivities surrounding such a tragic event. Meanwhile, SNL’s attempt to address the issue through satire has underscored the challenges comedians face when tackling deeply polarizing and painful topics.
Watch the segment and join the conversation on the ongoing debate surrounding ICE enforcement and public response.
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