Dear Editor,
In recent weeks, Minneapolis has been the scene of intense public concern and political conflict following multiple shootings involving federal immigration agents deployed under a large enforcement operation. On January 24, 2026, 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis during an immigration enforcement action, an event that sparked protests and widespread calls for accountability. Video from the incident and statements from local officials have raised serious questions about the circumstances of the shooting.
This shooting was the third in a short span involving federal agents in the city. Earlier in January, Renée Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother of three, was fatally shot by an ICE agent on January 7. Another man, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, was wounded in the leg by an immigration officer and survived.
These incidents have heightened tensions between federal and local authorities. Minnesota’s governor and city leaders have condemned the use of force, called for independent investigations, and urged federal immigration agents to withdraw from certain operations. Federal responses have included legal defense of agents’ actions and attempts to restrict local investigative access to crime scenes.
Amid this backdrop, many are asking: What can ordinary citizens do to address and prevent further violence? And what roles should Congress and the courts play?
Constructive Actions for Concerned Citizens
1. Participate in Peaceful Civic Engagement:
Attend lawful protests and community forums to voice concern about federal enforcement policies and demand transparency from elected officials. Support or organize community discussions that bring diverse voices together to articulate shared goals for safety, civil rights, and immigration policy reform.
2. Document and Share Information Responsibly:
When witnessing law enforcement activity, record conduct lawfully from safe distances and share verified evidence with journalists or legal advocacy groups to ensure public accountability. Support independent investigations by providing credible documentation to state investigators or civil liberties organizations.
3. Advocate Through Democratic Channels:
Contact federal and state representatives to express concern about the use of force by federal agents and urge legislative oversight of immigration enforcement practices. Support ballot measures or policy proposals aimed at enhancing civil rights protections and law enforcement accountability.
4. Support Legal and Community Organizations:
Contribute time or resources to civil liberties groups that provide legal assistance to people affected by enforcement actions and that challenge potential abuses in court. Engage with neighborhood associations to build collective resilience and mutual aid networks.
What Congress Can Do:
1. Oversight and Funding Conditions:
Hold hearings to scrutinize federal immigration enforcement operations, including use-of-force policies, training standards, and compliance with civil liberties safeguards. Consider conditioning funding for federal law enforcement agencies on meaningful reforms that bolster accountability, transparency, and community safety.
2. Legislative Reform:
Propose or advance laws clarifying the limits of immigration enforcement authority, strengthening reporting requirements, and ensuring judicial review of aggressive enforcement tactics. Address systemic issues in immigration law that contribute to confusion or conflict between federal operations and local communities.
What the Judiciary Can Do:
1. Ensure Independent Review:
Courts can oversee or appoint independent investigations into law enforcement use of force to ensure impartial evaluation of evidence and protection of due process. Judges can enforce constitutional protections, including First Amendment rights during protests and Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable use of force.
2. Interpret Limits of Federal Power:
Through litigation brought by states or individuals, the judiciary can clarify the scope of federal authority and the rights of citizens and residents under existing law.
In a deeply polarized environment, meaningful progress comes from upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and fostering constructive dialogue. Concerned citizens can push for accountability and reform through peaceful engagement, support for transparent investigations, and participation in democratic processes. At the same time, legislators and courts have critical roles in shaping legal frameworks and ensuring that enforcement practices respect constitutional rights and community safety.
Eileen J. Marum, Marion
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