BOZEMAN — In response to Alex Pretti’s killing by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, protests erupted across Montana. The demonstrations, which occurred Sunday and Monday, also criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies. In Bozeman, hundreds protested outside the Gallatin County Courthouse, while over 1,000 gathered in Missoula, spanning the Beartracks Bridge. In Billings and Helena, protests also took place.
Montana’s congressional delegation showed support for an investigation into Pretti’s death but avoided addressing questions about his Second Amendment rights. Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot by federal officers, sparking national outrage. Although Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the officers, onlookers’ videos suggest Pretti was incapacitated and his weapon confiscated before being shot multiple times.
Protesters in Bozeman, organized by Montana State University students, displayed signs condemning ICE and the federal government’s actions. The event, monitored by a few police officers, was described by Bozeman Police Department Deputy Chief Joseph Swanson as “very peaceful and orderly.” Protests also targeted Montana’s all-Republican federal delegation for their continued support of Trump’s immigration policies.
The Montana Free Press sought comments from the Montana Republican delegation regarding the federal role in Pretti’s death. All declined interviews, leaving many questions about accountability unanswered. Despite claims by DHS about Pretti’s actions, video evidence shows he was holding a phone when agents accused him of wielding a gun.
U.S. lawmakers, including Steve Daines, Tim Sheehy, and Troy Downing, expressed support for an investigation, labeling Pretti’s death a “tragedy.” Downing emphasized the rise in assaults on ICE officers and called for a thorough inquiry. Sheehy urged for cooperation with ICE to prevent future tragedies, while Daines expressed hope that the incident wouldn’t impede federal budget talks. Sen. Ryan Zinke, currently abroad, previously supported a funding bill for body cameras and training for ICE agents.
Meanwhile, Montana Democratic Party Chair Shannon O’Brien condemned the Trump administration’s repeated violence, urging the removal of ICE agents to prevent further tragedies. Helena residents also mobilized, with events planned to challenge ICE’s presence and actions. Indivisible Helena is pushing for resolutions against cooperating with ICE, and a student-led protest is planned at Helena High School.
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