The morning of January 24th, on Nicollet Ave, Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an ICU nurse who was out legally observing and patrolling his community during ICE activity. Alex was confronted by 4-5 federal agents, wrestled to the ground, and pistol whipped in the face during the struggle. While he was being restrained on the ground, a Border Patrol agent began shooting him. Even as Alex lay motionless, the agent continued firing again and again. These are the scenes that followed. Community members quickly gathered at the site where Alex was killed. Border Patrol agents fired an enormous amount of tear gas, pepper balls, and other chemical irritants toward those gathered. Minnesota State Patrol then arrived and continued the chaos, deploying more chemical irritants into the crowd. People gathered in every direction across surrounding streets, pulling dumpsters and trash cans into the road to form barricades. Once again, we watched the murder of a U.S. citizen whose only action was legally observing and documenting the terror ICE is inflicting on Minnesota communities.

he moment from tonight, Feb 18, when a woman was released from the Whipple building and reunited with her family. Volunteers with Haven Watch were there in orange vests to provide blankets, food, comfort, safety, and hugs to her and her loved ones. Another man was released just moments before this. In total, about eight people were released today according to one of the Haven volunteers. A reminder that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is still operating in Minnesota and still taking people. This family had to endure trauma and terror, like thousands of others across this country. This beautiful moment of reunion should never have had to happen. This abduction of their family member will have lasting effects for a long time to come. Haven Watch was created to provide resources to individuals released from ICE detention centers. The group offers immediate support, warmth, transportation, and connection to additional resources upon release. Learn more and support there work at havenwatch.org