The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as well as the various attacks on both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, have led to countless anti-ICE protests this year, especially in Minneapolis. These protests, which have mostly remained peaceful, were dealt with aggressive tactics from ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
On Jan. 7, U.S. citizen and mother of three children Renee Good was shot and killed in her car by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The U.S. government, including former ICE Agent Gregory Bovino and Vice President JD Vance, claimed that Good attempted to ram the ICE agent with her car, but some contend footage released after those claims were made showed that she was trying to drive away from the confrontation.
On Jan. 21, footage captured Gregory Bovino, as well as other ICE agents, throwing canisters of tear gas at a group of protesters. Bovino had stated in multiple interviews that ICE’s operations and punishments were completely justified if it meant that “illegal aliens” were to be deported.
This sparked public outrage, and with it came many anti-ICE sentiments. Many took to the streets to protest, or spoke out online.
“People are outraged because the US government currently deports many people without criminal records and some who are striving to gain citizenship through legal channels,” said history teacher Cory Nelson. “They want to be a voice for justice and equality.”
On Jan. 24, Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, was shot and killed by ICE agents. ICE claimed that Pretti had been carrying a handgun, and that he was planning to harm the ICE agents. Footage later released showed that Pretti had been attempting to assist someone shoved to the ground by federal agents. He was pinned to the ground, and during his struggle he was shot over 10 times.
His death only added to the fury of Minneapolis residents, causing many more protests in both his and Good’s names.
Many people have spoken out against the way the Trump administration and ICE have been handling protests and deportations.
Mele Victorio ’29 commented, “Well, if people didn’t speak out against societal injustice then we’d probably be a monarchy by now. People would take advantage of the fact that no one spoke out against injustices that were obviously there.”
Many have also noted the significance of protesting within America’s history. Nelson stated, “Protesting is a fundamental right in our country. It has created positive change throughout our history from the American Revolution, labor rights, Civil Rights, women’s rights, and more… As a history teacher, I believe that it is very important to know and participate in your community and society.”
On Jan. 30, San Fransisco students took this message to heart, as thousands gathered at Dolores Park to participate in the nationwide ICE-Out shutdown, echoing former movements in American history.
