Introduction
On Saturday, a Reddit user posted a 40-second clip showing federal agents from ICE tackling 37-year-old Alex Pretti to the ground and then firing at him. The video, which quickly amassed more than 60,000 upvotes and topped Reddit’s homepage, became a focal point for a growing chorus of outrage across Minnesota’s online communities.
At a Glance
- A viral clip shows ICE agents shooting a Minneapolis resident.
- The footage has been shared more than 60,000 times on Reddit.
- The incident follows the January 7 death of Renee Nicole Good, also at the hands of an ICE agent.
- Public sentiment toward the agency has surged, with polls now showing 43 % support for abolishing ICE.
The Viral Video
The clip begins with agents restraining Pretti. About 20 seconds in, one agent opens fire, and a total of 10 gunshots are heard. A bystander can be heard shouting, “Did they fucking kill that guy? Are you fucking kidding me dude? Not again.” The agents involved have not been charged, and CBP official Greg Bovino confirmed that the agents, including Jonathan Ross, have been reassigned to “other locations.”
Key Moments
- 0:20 – Agent begins shooting.
- 0:30 – Gunshots cease; agents retreat.
- 0:40 – Video ends with a shaky frame of Pretti’s body.
Reddit’s Role
The r/Minneapolis subreddit, originally a local forum for city news, has evolved into a de-facto news hub during the surge of ICE raids in the Twin Cities. A long-time moderator, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, noted, “I just wanted a local subreddit to know what was happening in my city, and now all of a sudden, we’ve turned into this de-facto hub of information for basically how to fight fascism.”
The subreddit’s reach expanded beyond Minnesota. Posts about the shooting flooded r/all, r/Leica, and even niche communities such as r/massivecock, where users posted captions like “FUCK ICE” alongside images of protest slogans. The cross-subreddit response demonstrates how a single incident can galvanize diverse online audiences.
Broader Context of ICE Raids
Since the Trump administration’s aggressive “blue-city” raids, Minnesota has seen thousands of masked, armed ICE agents deployed across the Twin Cities. The most recent high-profile incident involved the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good on January 7, a case that further inflamed public opinion.
| Date | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| January 7 | Death of Renee Nicole Good | Agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Good; agent reassigned |
| January ?? | Shooting of Alex Pretti | 10 gunshots fired; no charges announced |
| Ongoing | Nationwide ICE raids | Thousands of agents deployed in Minnesota |
The surge in public sentiment is reflected in polling data. Before the 2024 election, only about one in four people surveyed supported abolishing ICE. Current polls now show 43 % in favor, a dramatic shift driven by the agency’s visible presence in Minneapolis.
Public Response and Sentiment
The video’s virality sparked a wave of protests and memes. On r/NFCNorthMemeWar, a top post declared, “HOWEVER… FUCK ICE and fuck any bootlicker who supports them.” Even sports fans from rival teams in Minnesota, Chicago, Detroit, and Green Bay-traditionally neutral on Minneapolis politics-joined the chorus, illustrating the broad reach of the outrage.
The subreddit moderator added, “I think it’s just like this awareness of the level of injustice taking place. They’re testing things here. They’re coming for you next.” The statement reflects a growing fear among residents that the agency’s reach may expand beyond current deployments.
Why the Outrage Is Intensifying
- Visibility of force: The video shows agents in full gear, underscoring the militarized nature of the raids.
- Lack of accountability: No charges have been filed against the agents who fired on Pretti, raising questions about oversight.
- Historical grievances: The January 7 incident added to a long list of perceived injustices in the region.
- Political mobilization: The rapid rise in anti-ICE sentiment has translated into organized online campaigns and offline protests.
Implications and Outlook
The incident highlights several key issues:
- Accountability: No charges have been filed against the agents who fired on Pretti, raising questions about oversight.
- Community Impact: The rise of a local online hub indicates that residents are seeking alternative sources of information amid perceived state surveillance.
- Political Momentum: The sharp increase in support for abolishing ICE suggests that public policy may shift in the near term.
### Key Takeaways
- A single viral clip can amplify community sentiment and bring national attention to local incidents.
- The rapid spread of anti-ICE sentiment across diverse Reddit communities underscores the power of social media to shape public discourse.
- Polling data indicates a significant shift toward support for dismantling the agency, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with its tactics.
The ongoing debate over ICE operations in Minnesota and beyond will likely continue to dominate both online and offline conversations as the agency’s presence evolves.
