A resident living near Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old US citizen who was shot by federal agents, disclosed that Pretti was a member of their local “Signal ICE” group chat. Jeanne Massey, a local community outreach worker, mentioned that Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, resided just a street away from her. Pretti was part of the Kingfield signal ICE watch group, where volunteers quickly react when ICE agents are spotted nearby.
The ICE Watch group, which includes Massey and Pretti among dozens of volunteers, focuses on swift responses to ICE sightings. Massey’s role involves organizing rapid responses to ICE presence by patrolling the neighborhood, notifying residents, and witnessing the events. It remains unclear what specific role Pretti played in the group.
Expressing the sentiments of her neighbors, Massey stated their shock and anger at the recent violent incident involving federal agents in their city. This marked the third shooting during enforcement operations in a short period, creating distress in the community striving for justice and safety.
Massey recounted how she and other Minneapolis residents rushed to the scene of the fatal shooting, observing ICE officers engaging with the crowd and using tear gas. The tragic events of Saturday overshadowed the unity displayed the day before when thousands marched through Minneapolis streets.
Friday’s protest was a collective effort to support not only immigrant neighbors but everyone seeking to live without fear, according to Massey. She emphasized the community’s terror and frustration at the ongoing federal operations with lethal force and no accountability. Despite the fear gripping the city, the residents of Minnesota remain steadfast in their resistance and demand for the cessation of such operations.
Asserting their resolve, Massey declared that the resistance in the city is growing, enraged, and unwavering. The plea is for an immediate halt to the operations and removal of federal agents from Minnesota.