NEW YORK January 24, 2026 – In a fiery appearance on CNN, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) accused the Trump administration of justifying violence against American citizens based on their political affiliations, citing a recent fatal shooting in Minneapolis as a pivotal example. The comments came amid escalating tensions over immigration enforcement operations that have sparked protests and clashes across the country. The comments came amid escalating tensions over immigration enforcement operations that have sparked protests and clashes across the country.
The incident occurred on January 24, 2026, when federal agents shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Pretti was armed and posed a threat during a targeted operation, with officials stating he “arrived at the scene to inflict maximum harm.”
However, video footage and witness accounts have raised questions about the sequence of events, with some describing it as an “execution” without clear provocation.
Ocasio-Cortez, in her CNN interview, highlighted a second angle of footage circulating online that appears to show an ICE officer pushing a woman to the ground immediately before the shooting. “That very quickly led to an execution,” she said, adding that the administration’s response—that the mere fact Pretti was armed justified the shooting—represents “a momentous, pivotal moment for the United States.” She further claimed the incident is part of a broader pattern of federal agents exerting “a tremendous amount of violence” under the guise of border security, far from the U.S. border.
This shooting marks the second deadly encounter involving federal officers in Minneapolis in less than a month, following an earlier incident where an ICE agent fatally shot a woman, identified in some reports as Renee Good, during enforcement actions. Protests have erupted in response, with demonstrators opposing what they call aggressive tactics by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. Agents have deployed gas to disperse crowds, and tensions remain high.
The White House has pushed back strongly against criticism, blaming Democratic rhetoric for inciting violence against federal officers. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that assaults on ICE agents have surged over 1,300% and vehicular attacks by 3,200%, attributing this to “radical rhetoric by sanctuary politicians.” dhs.gov +1
Leavitt condemned the increase in attacks and emphasized that federal law enforcement is facing unprecedented dangers while conducting operations. The administration has also hinted at invoking the Insurrection Act if unrest continues, with Leavitt noting it remains an option for President Trump.
Ocasio-Cortez referenced Leavitt’s earlier statements, claiming they confirm the administration’s intent to utilize force based on political affiliations. “We have to draw a line in the sand now,” Ocasio-Cortez urged, calling for containment of what she described as an abuse of power. Public reactions on social media have been polarized. Some users accused Ocasio-Cortez of encouraging resistance, with one stating, “These statements… are literally encouraging people to violently resist federal authority.” Others supported her stance, arguing, “When people say ‘resist,’ they mean resist a government that shoots civilians on the street.” Another commenter highlighted perceived hypocrisy, noting, “Pretty funny watching the people who celebrated an unarmed woman being shot… are suddenly very upset.”
Investigations into the shooting are ongoing, but mutual distrust between federal and state authorities has complicated joint efforts. Minnesota officials, including Gov. Tim Walz, have expressed concerns over the federal response.
As nationwide anti-ICE protests continue, calling for accountability, Minneapolis has become a flashpoint in the debate over immigration enforcement and civil liberties under the current administration.
About The Author
