US Bishops Call for ‘Respect for Life’ Amid Rising Tensions Over ICE-Related Deaths in Minneapolis

In the most recent incident, occurring on Saturday, officers from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reportedly shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti during an interaction on a street in Minneapolis.

ICE officials have claimed that Pretti was armed and intervened as agents moved toward a woman. However, video evidence from the incident presents a starkly contrasting narrative: Pretti is observed holding a phone, not a firearm, seemingly aiding other protesters just before he was shot.

Local authorities have affirmed that Pretti, employed as a nurse, possessed a legitimate permit authorizing the public carrying of a handgun, and verified that the firearm in question was duly registered.

The death of Pretti has intensified tensions in the American city, where anxiety and outrage were already elevated due to the recent killing of 37-year-old mother Renee Good by a federal immigration officer just weeks prior.

Thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets of Minneapolis on Sunday, while numerous vigils were organized over the weekend in honor of Pretti.

On Sunday, Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Minneapolis urged prayers for Pretti and his family, referring to “our undocumented neighbors” as brothers and sisters in the face of Trump’s immigration crackdown.

Archbishop Hebda has called upon the public to reflect on ways to restore peace following the tragic loss of another life amid the ongoing tensions in Minnesota.

He further emphasized that true justice and peace can only be realized when we eliminate the hatreds and prejudices that hinder us from recognizing one another as brothers and sisters.

Archbishop Paul Coakley, head of the US Catholic Bishops’ Conference, has called upon Americans to unite in dialogue and reject any dehumanizing language or actions that pose a threat to human life.

In a statement released on Sunday, Coakley urged for calm, restraint, and respect for human life in Minneapolis and other areas where peace faces threats.

He emphasized that public authorities hold the responsibility of protecting the welfare of citizens in their commitment to the common good.

Amid escalating tensions, a federal court hearing is set for Monday regarding a case that could temporarily suspend the government’s immigration enforcement measures in Minnesota. This comes in the wake of enforcement actions that resulted in the fatal shootings of Pretti and Renee Good.

Earlier this month, Minnesota initiated legal action against the Department of Homeland Security, aiming to reinstate the presence of federal law enforcement agents in the state to the numbers that were in place prior to the implementation of Operation Metro Surge in December 2025 under the Trump administration.