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The death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old American nurse, shot by federal agents during an ICE operation in Minneapolis, continues to provoke a strong wave of outrage both inside and outside the United States.
In addition to the family's condemnation, civil organizations and democratic leaders, Barack and Michelle Obama joined on Sunday, issuing a strong public statement questioning the actions of immigration authorities and the response of Donald Trump's government.
"The murder of Alex Pretti is a heartbreaking tragedy," the Obamas stated in a message shared on their social media, warning that what happened should serve as a "wake-up call" for all Americans.
The former presidential couple reported that, instead of enforcing discipline and accountability among the deployed agents, the current administration has chosen to escalate the situation and offer public explanations that are not supported by serious investigations and, as they pointed out, appear to be contradicted by the available videos.
Pretti, intensive care nurse at a veterans hospital, died on Saturday during a protest against ICE operations in the city of Minneapolis. The images analyzed later show that he was recording with his phone when he intervened after seeing an officer push a protester.
In the midst of the struggle, he was sprayed with tear gas, knocked to the ground, and subdued by several officers. Seconds later, a gunshot was heard, followed by multiple shots fired at his already motionless body.
Despite these records, the Trump administration justified the actions of the agents and immediately blamed Pretti. The Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, even accused him of “terrorism”, claiming that he posed an armed threat.
The nurse's family firmly rejected that version and accused the administration of spreading "disgusting lies" about their son, whom they described as "a person with a great heart."
In their statement, Barack and Michelle Obama emphasized that federal agents have a difficult job, but reminded that citizens expect them to act legally and responsibly, and in coordination with state and local authorities.
"That is not what we are seeing in Minnesota," they stated, denouncing tactics they described as intimidating, chaotic, and dangerous, which have already resulted in at least two American citizens dead so far in January.
The Obamas also made a direct call to halt the violence. "This has to stop," they wrote, urging the administration to reconsider its strategy and to work constructively with Governor Tim Walz, the mayor of Minneapolis, and local forces to prevent further chaos.
Meanwhile, they encouraged citizens to support the peaceful protests that have spread across Minneapolis and other cities as a way to demand justice and accountability from the government.
The case of Alex Pretti adds to that of Renée Nicole Good, another U.S. citizen shot by an ICE agent on January 7 in the same city, and has intensified protests against immigration operations in Minnesota.
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