Latino Community Fund Georgia forcefully condemns the killing of Alex Pretti by ICE officers during their federal occupation in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. Alex was a 37-year-old American citizen, an ICU nurse who cared for veterans, and a lawful gun owner with no criminal history. Video evidence shows he was recording using his phone, assisting others, not brandishing his gun, and not acting violently toward law enforcement when federal agents disarmed, tackled, and fatally shot him.
This tragic death follows the recent killing of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis just two weeks ago and highlights a disturbing pattern of federal agents inflicting lethal force with impunity.
It is not enough to call for more training when those in this agency. Experience alone does not prevent reckless, unconstitutional violence. What we are observing is a recurring pattern that reflects insufficient respect for individual rights, empathy, human dignity, and due process. Since 2025, 38 or more people have died in ICE custody or ICE detention facilities, the highest total in about 20 years according to numerous reports and data releases.
We demand accountability and consequences, not excuses.
Specifically in the case of Alex Pretty, actions by ICE officers violate the First and Second Amendments, constitutional rights that belong to all of us in America, including the rights to free expression, to peaceably assemble, and to bear arms. The use of lethal force against a U.S. citizen who was legally exercising those rights cannot be justified and cannot stand.
We state once again, that no law enforcement agency – federal, state, or local – is above the Constitution. The power of the State must never be exercised without accountability or respect for civil rights. Public safety cannot come at the expense of basic human rights. Humanity and justice are essential, not optional.
We ask you all to call your Representatives to demand a federal hearing and accountability for the actions of this agency. We are grateful to Senators Warnock and Ossoff for their statements noting they will not vote for the upcoming legislation that will provide even more funding to ICE if passed without guardrails and civil protections. We encourage all community members to call their Senators to thank them and reaffirm their commitment.
We stand with Alex Pretti’s family, with Renee Good’s loved ones, and with all community members affected in demanding full accountability, an independent investigation, and meaningful reform. Justice requires protecting both the rule of law and the basic rights that bind us together as a community.
Responses