Tens of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets across the United States in a powerful wave of protests against the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The rallies, which spanned from Minneapolis to Miami, were ignited by the recent fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, by federal agents in Minneapolis on 24 January 2026.
Minneapolis at the Heart of the Storm
In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the epicentre of the unrest, protesters marched on Hennepin Avenue during the 'ICE out of Minnesota: day of truth and freedom' event. The demonstration turned volatile as federal agents clashed with crowds, using chemical irritants and force to push back demonstrators. A makeshift memorial now stands at the site where Pretti was killed, drawing mourners and activists alike.
National Solidarity in Harsh Conditions
From Chicago to Los Angeles, protesters braved extreme weather to join the cause. In Chicago, Illinois, thousands shouted anti-ICE slogans amid near-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall, while in Miami, Florida, activists gathered outside Florida International University to demand accountability and an independent investigation into Pretti's death. The protests underscore a growing national movement calling for the abolition of ICE and an end to federal crackdowns on immigration.
Federal Response and Local Outcry
Local leaders in Minneapolis have condemned the shooting, urging the Trump administration to withdraw the approximately 3,000 Department of Homeland Security agents deployed to the state. However, federal authorities maintain that agents acted in self-defence during a struggle with Pretti, who was reportedly armed. This incident follows the earlier killing of Renee Good, also 37, by an immigration officer in January, adding fuel to the protests.
Scenes of Confrontation and Detention
Photographs from the protests depict intense confrontations, including federal agents pinning protesters to the ground and spraying chemical irritants directly into faces. In one instance, Border Patrol agents detained individuals at intersections, highlighting the escalated tensions. The use of tear gas and pepper spray has been widespread, particularly outside federal buildings like the Bishop Henry Whipple facility in Minneapolis.
As the demonstrations continue, the calls for transparency and an end to ICE's presence grow louder, reflecting deep-seated concerns over immigration enforcement and civil liberties in the US.
