At the Calvary Baptist Church in Minneapolis, locals sought refuge from the biting cold on Sunday, just blocks from where Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, was shot dead by federal immigration agents during a confrontation the previous day.
The shooting, which marks the second fatal incident involving agents in less than a month, has turned the church into a haven for those affected by the unrest.
Volunteers at the church provided coffee, snacks, and warmers for mourners and protesters alike, as the community comes together to remember Pretti and oppose the ongoing federal immigration enforcement actions.
Yesterday, I fell apart, said church staff member Ann Hotz. Today I'm here to stand with my community and help our neighbors as they remember Alex and mourn him. Her comments capture the exhaustion many feel as the crisis continues.
The recent shooting comes shortly after another incident where Renee Nicole Good, a community member, was also shot and killed by an ICE agent. These events have ignited protests and discussions around the aggressive immigration policies supported by the current federal administration.
The 140-year-old Calvary Baptist Church has become a symbol of support and resilience, emphasizing the need for change in the face of violence stemming from immigration enforcement.
Criticism from local officials is mounting, calling for the immediate withdrawal of federal agents, while the community rallies for support against what many are labeling as systemic injustice and aggression towards innocent individuals, including U.S. citizens.
As Minneapolis finds itself at the center of a national debate on immigration, residents express heartbreak, frustration, and an urgent demand for action to ensure their safety and the dignity of all community members.
