Hollywood Stars Condemn Minneapolis Shooting as ICE Outrage Grows
Natalie Portman and Olivia Wilde have led Hollywood's vocal condemnation of a second fatal shooting involving Department of Homeland Security agents in Minneapolis, as outrage over immigration enforcement tactics continues to escalate across the United States.
Tragic Incident Sparks National Outrage
Intensive care nurse Alex Pretti, aged 37, was shot multiple times on Saturday morning while lying on the ground during an attempted detention by Customs and Border Protection agents. Disturbing video footage shows the healthcare professional filming agents with his mobile phone as they arrested a female protester, before being suddenly tackled to the pavement around 9am. One agent then opened fire, striking Pretti up to ten times.
The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement methods, with Pretti's family issuing a searing statement accusing the Trump administration of spreading "sickening lies" about their son. "Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump's murdering and cowardly ICE thugs," the family declared. "He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed."
Celebrity Voices Amplify Protest Movement
At the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, Portman and Wilde were among numerous celebrities prominently displaying 'ICE Out' pins throughout the weekend. Both actresses expressed profound dismay at the weeks-long immigration crackdown occurring in Minneapolis and other locations across the country, while offering their support to protesters opposing these measures.
Portman, interviewed at a Variety event while wearing her protest pin, described Americans as being "at a moment in our country's history that is quite devastating." She elaborated: "It's really impossible not to talk about what is happening right now and the brutality of ICE and how it has to stop immediately." The Oscar-winning actress acknowledged the difficult context, noting: "It's a bittersweet moment to celebrate something we're so proud of on the backdrop of our nation in pain."
Furious Condemnation from Entertainment Industry
Olivia Wilde delivered even more forceful criticism during the Sundance premiere of her film The Invite. "This country is hurting. I'm appalled and sickened. We can't go another day accepting this as our new norm. It's outrageous," she told Variety. Wilde continued with emotional intensity: "People are being murdered, and I don't want to normalize seeing that violence — on the internet or on film. It's hideous."
The actress made clear her political stance, asserting: "If we can do anything to support the movement to cast ICE out and delegitimize this criminal organization, then that's what we should be doing." Her comments reflect growing sentiment within the entertainment industry that federal immigration enforcement has crossed ethical boundaries requiring urgent public opposition.
Contradictory Accounts Emerge
While Pretti's family directly blamed Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the shooting, official reports indicate the incident was actually carried out by officers from the broader Department of Homeland Security. On Saturday evening, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem echoed claims that Pretti had "brandished" a weapon at her agents prior to the shooting.
However, available footage appears to contradict these official assertions. Video evidence shows one agent removing what appeared to be Pretti's legally-owned handgun from his waistband after the shooting occurred. Earlier in the confrontation, Pretti could be seen holding a shiny object aloft while scuffling with an officer moments after being pepper-sprayed, though it remains unclear what this object actually was.
Significantly, the agent involved did not yell "gun" at the sight of that object nor recoil defensively, according to video analysis. Pretti had been recording with his phone in one hand before the confrontation erupted, with his other hand appearing to be completely free throughout the initial interaction.
A Life of Service Cut Short
Alex Pretti worked as an intensive care nurse at a local Veteran's Affairs hospital and lived approximately two miles from where he was fatally shot. His grieving family remembered him as "a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse."
The family statement poignantly noted: "Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately he will not be with us to see his impact." They emphasized his final actions, stating: "However his last thought and act was to protect a woman."
Pretti was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed adventures with his beloved Catahoula Leopard dog, Joule, who had recently passed away. He had participated in protests following the January 7th killing of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs officer, reflecting his growing concern about federal enforcement tactics.
Family Seeks Truth Amid Confusion
Michael Pretti, Alex's father, explained his son's motivations: "He cared about people deeply and he was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE, as millions of other people are upset." He added: "He thought it was terrible, you know, kidnapping children, just grabbing people off the street. He cared about those people, and he knew it was wrong, so he did participate in protests."
The family first learned of the shooting when contacted by an Associated Press reporter. After watching the disturbing video, they attempted to reach officials in Minnesota for more information but encountered bureaucratic obstacles. "I can't get any information from anybody," Michael Pretti lamented. "The police, they said call Border Patrol, Border Patrol's closed, the hospitals won't answer any questions."
Eventually, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner confirmed they had a body matching Pretti's name and description. As of Saturday evening, the family reported they still had not received any official communication from federal law enforcement agencies regarding their son's death.
Community Remembers a Compassionate Neighbor
Pretti lived in a four-unit condominium building where neighbors described him as quiet and warmhearted. Sue Gitar, who lived downstairs from Pretti, recalled: "He's a wonderful person. He has a great heart." She noted his willingness to help with neighborhood concerns, whether investigating suspicious activity or addressing potential gas leaks.
While neighbors knew Pretti occasionally took a rifle to shooting ranges, they expressed surprise at the suggestion he might carry a pistol on the streets. "I never thought of him as a person who carried a gun," Gitar admitted.
A competitive bicycle racer who took pride in his new Audi, Pretti had been deeply attached to his dog before the animal's passing approximately one year earlier. His parents revealed their last conversation with their son occurred just days before his death, discussing garage door repairs. Notably, Pretti had given the Latino worker a $100 tip, reflecting his awareness of and concern about the tensions affecting Minneapolis communities.
Susan Pretti, Alex's mother, highlighted her son's environmental concerns: "He hated that, you know, people were just trashing the land. He was an outdoorsman. He took his dog everywhere he went. You know, he loved this country, but he hated what people were doing to it."
The tragic shooting has amplified calls for immigration enforcement reform, with Hollywood voices joining community activists in demanding accountability and systemic change as Minneapolis grapples with yet another controversial federal intervention.
