By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A nurse, Alex Pretti, was fatally shot by federal immigration agents, sparking immediate outrage and legal action. Lawyers quickly responded, filing new information in existing lawsuits and a new suit challenging the federal government’s interference with the crime scene investigation. Witnesses reported that federal agents prevented state and local law enforcement from accessing the scene and providing medical assistance. A judge issued a temporary restraining order against altering evidence related to the killing, while other legal filings sought to halt the government’s immigration operation, citing irreparable harm to the community.
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The ICE killing of Alex Pretti, the second in Minneapolis prompts quick legal responses. The gut reaction, and it’s a powerful one, is to demand justice. Issue a warrant for the suspect who pulled the trigger, and for anyone else involved. The feeling that the system is rigged to protect itself, not regular people, is almost palpable. This wasn’t some ambiguous situation; it was an ICU nurse, trying to help someone, shot dead. The response from the administration, focusing on defending federal agents instead of addressing a civilian’s murder, is a slap in the face. This was an execution, plain and simple, and it happened in broad daylight. The victim wasn’t resisting; his weapon was holstered until it was taken from him. There’s no excusing this, and the call for accountability is deafening.
Fuck. That is the only appropriate response for the Pretti family. The level of pain and grief must be unimaginable. Alex Pretti is remembered as a true man, standing up for veterans and for women. Not like the ICE agents, covered faces and all, executing US citizens. The comparison highlights the stark contrast between those who serve and protect and those who abuse their power. The question of where the Epstein files are is not unreasonable given the current landscape of corrupt powers. The physician’s account of the aftermath, with ICE agents seemingly more interested in counting bullet wounds than providing aid, is chilling.
Fuck ICE. The raw emotion is completely understandable. The desire to take to the streets, to stand against this injustice, is a natural response. There’s a deep-seated frustration with standing idly by while the future feels threatened by such actions. The hope that local and state officials will now investigate, as they should have in the case of Renee Good’s murder, is a critical point.
We’ll see how far this goes is the next line of thinking, as there is the knowledge that this administration doesn’t care about what judges say. There is the issue of evidence being destroyed and fraudulent evidence being entered into 35+ separate cases. The frustration with the system is palpable. The reference to Cersei’s actions in *Game of Thrones* shows the fear that justice will be denied. Minnesota has the power to act; issuing a warrant for Jonathan Ross is a critical step, but is it going to happen?
Remember that Derek Chauvin who murdered George Floyd on 5/25/20 was arrested 3 days later, so it’s not impossible to arrest and charge the individuals responsible for the shooting. The quick action in the Chauvin case, driven by video evidence, establishes the potential for similar rapid response in this case. Both Chauvin and ICE agents have qualified immunity, but that doesn’t make arrest and charges impossible.
Even if the federal government tries to block the investigation, the video evidence alone should be enough for a judge to sign an arrest warrant. The prosecutor can then bring preliminary charges, just like what happened with Chauvin. Judges have the power to deny bail, especially given the clear flight risk and potential danger to the public posed by the ICE agents.
The lack of action in the Renee Good case, despite the evidence, underscores the double standard and the frustration that law enforcement has with the justice system. The contrast between how a black or brown person would be treated in a similar situation versus the treatment of the agents is stark. Who will do the arresting? The knowledge that ICE is better armed than the police and very willing to pull the trigger is deeply concerning.
Earlier, ICE ignored a signed judicial warrant and blocked police from investigating. The blatant lies and disregard for law are deeply infuriating. The fact that video evidence exists contradicts what is being said. In a just society, they would be in prison. The frustration is intense, fueled by the lack of accountability and the feeling that the system is broken. The statement that the administration only doubles down and the American people will have to act is a sobering conclusion. Democrats approved more money for ICE and the military, and Republicans have been lost for decades. No one is coming to help the people of this country.
The ReThugliKKKons are acting under orders from the Heritage Foundation. The outside observer wishes more citizens would take up action. The feeling of being in a constitutional crisis is strong. The fact that the murderer, Jonathan E. Ross, was quickly relocated to a post in Oregon, further fuels the suspicion of a cover-up.
The lies about the murder of Pretti are ongoing. The call for states to mobilize their National Guard and the municipalities to mobilize police to protect citizens from a federal mercenary army is an indication of the distrust. The comparison to the Red Coats of the past highlights the perception of tyranny and the lack of oversight. The use of lethal force is the basis for a terrorist organization. Supporting organizations that are fighting this administration is the only way to help.
From recent tax code changes, even people who take the standard deduction are able to further deduct up to $1,000 of donations. Giving less tax money to ICE and more money to the people who need it is a great deal.
The consistent use of the active voice by the NYT is a telling observation in this situation. The disgust and anger over the handling of the Renee Good case and the treatment of children and veterans further fuels the outrage. The generalstrike US movement is building, and perhaps a beacon of hope in this dark landscape.