MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The normally tranquil Saturday morning on Eat Street in Minneapolis was shattered by chaos as protests spiraled out of control. The area, known for its vibrant restaurants and coffee shops, became a battleground following the shooting death of a man by federal immigration officers.
What began around 9 a.m. escalated rapidly into a scene of anger and sorrow, as videos surfaced showing federal agents atop the man, identified as 37-year-old Alex Pretti, just moments before shots were fired. The community, already on edge from a previous deadly incident involving immigration enforcement, found itself once again ignited by outrage.
Within hours, hundreds of protesters gathered to confront law enforcement, brandishing signs demanding the withdrawal of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from Minnesota. As tensions escalated, protesters clashed with officers, who deployed tear gas to push the crowd back, leading to a chaotic environment filled with screams and obscenities exchanged from both sides.
Two Associated Press journalists arriving on the scene in the immediate aftermath of the shooting observed the rapid buildup of protesters confronting the federal agents, highlighting the urgent sentiment among the crowd who had also participated in recent demonstrations against immigration policies.
The feeling among protesters was one of collective grievance, channeling frustration reminiscent of the protests following George Floyd's killing in 2020, although without the widespread rioting seen then. Many demonstrators created a memorial for Pretti at the site of the conflict, surrounding it with flowers and candles, outlining their grief and anger over his untimely death.
By mid-afternoon, the mood shifted again as protesters took over the intersection adjacent to the shooting, cordoning off the area and blocking traffic with Makeshift barricades. Local businesses reacted by closing their doors, some offering refreshments to the prolonged demonstrations.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara later emphasized their efforts in maintaining public safety and allowing peaceful protests to continue, highlighting the involvement of the Minnesota National Guard.
As night fell, the gathering dwindled to a somber vigil around the memorial site, with many attendees reflecting on the uncertainties and challenges ahead in their community. It feels like every day something crazier happens, remarked one protester, revealing the community's collective weariness in the face of ongoing strife.
