Nationwide Protests Erupt Following Fatal Shooting by Federal Agents
In the face of frigid weather, hundreds gathered in Ann Arbor on Monday night to voice their dissent against a recent fatal incident involving federal immigration officers. The shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday has sparked widespread condemnation across the United States.
Pretti, an ICU nurse, was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents amidst a group of protestors who were there to keep an eye on the immigration officers. Multiple videos captured by witnesses show agents physically overpowering Pretti, culminating in his shooting. Despite claims by Trump administration officials, these recordings do not depict Pretti “brandishing” his legally owned firearm.
Gus Teschke, representing Ann Arbor Indivisible, which organized Monday’s protest, stated, “He wasn’t a threat. They just executed him.” Protests against ICE and Border Patrol officers are intensifying as the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on the Department of Homeland Security’s budget.
Following the shootings of Pretti and 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, Democratic U.S. Senators have expressed their intent to oppose the DHS funding bill, raising concerns about a potential partial government shutdown by week’s end. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer described the Minnesota events as “appalling” and affirmed that Democrats “will not provide the votes to proceed to the appropriations bill if the DHS funding bill is included.” Schumer emphasized the need for common sense reforms within the Department of Homeland Security.
Although six of the 12 annual spending bills for the current fiscal year have been approved by President Donald Trump, the remaining six await Senate action amidst opposition from House Democrats and increasing demands for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s impeachment.
Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell conveyed urgency, saying, “We have to do something.” She further assured, “I have talked to enough Senate Democrats that I will tell you, they will not buckle.” Meanwhile, the White House press secretary highlighted President Trump’s desire to pass the spending package this week to avert a government shutdown.
—
Read More Michigan News
