The Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, became more than just a showcase for movies this weekend—it turned into a platform for Hollywood stars to speak out against what they called an “appalling” crackdown by federal immigration authorities.
Natalie Portman and Olivia Wilde were among the most vocal, condemning a fatal shooting in Minneapolis that left intensive care nurse Alex Pretti dead.
Both actresses, wearing ‘ICE Out’ pins at the festival, used their platform to highlight the broader immigration enforcement actions sweeping the city and express solidarity with protesters challenging these operations.
Their words reflected not just frustration, but deep concern over a national crisis they see unfolding before the public.
The Shooting That Sparked National Outrage
Alex Pretti, 37, was shot multiple times on a Minneapolis street on Saturday morning during an encounter with federal officers from the Department of Homeland Security.
Videos show Pretti recording the arrest of a female protester with his phone when he was suddenly tackled to the ground. One officer opened fire, striking him up to ten times.
Initial reports mistakenly blamed ICE, but DHS officers carried out the shooting.
Secretary Kristi Noem later claimed Pretti “brandished a weapon,” though video evidence casts doubt on that statement.
Footage shows Pretti holding a shiny object—possibly his phone—while scuffling with an officer, with his other hand free, and no immediate sign that anyone yelled “gun” or reacted in fear.
Portman and Wilde Speak Out
Natalie Portman spoke with Variety about the tragedy, expressing heartbreak over the state of the nation:
“It’s really impossible not to talk about what is happening right now and the brutality of ICE and how it has to stop immediately,” she said.
“But also there’s a beautiful community that Americans are showing right now.
They’re showing up for each other, protecting each other and fighting for their freedom.
It’s bittersweet to celebrate something we’re proud of against a backdrop of national pain.”
Olivia Wilde, at the premiere of her film The Invite, was equally outraged:
“This country is hurting. I’m appalled and sickened. We can’t accept this as the new norm.
People are being murdered, and we shouldn’t normalize that violence on film or online,” she said.
“If we can support the movement to cast ICE out and delegitimize this criminal organization, we should.”
A Life Remembered
Pretti worked as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Hospital, living just two miles from where he was killed.
His family described him as a kind, caring man dedicated to helping veterans, protecting others, and standing up for what was right.
“Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked.
He has his phone in his right hand and his left hand raised trying to protect a woman,” his family said.
“Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man.”
An Outdoorsman and Advocate
Outside of his medical career, Pretti loved adventure and the outdoors.
He shared a special bond with his Catahoula Leopard dog, Joule, who passed away recently.
He also participated in protests following the January 7 killing of Renee Good by an ICE officer, motivated by his strong sense of justice.
“He cared deeply about what was happening in Minneapolis and across the country with ICE,” said Michael Pretti, Alex’s father.
“He thought it was terrible, kidnapping children, just grabbing people off the street.
He knew it was wrong, and he wanted to do something about it.”
A Devoted Son and Neighbor
Born in Illinois, Alex Pretti grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, excelling in sports and community activities, including Boy Scouts and choir.
He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2011 with a degree in biology, society, and the environment, later becoming a registered nurse.
Neighbors remember him as warmhearted and helpful.
“He has a great heart,” said Sue Gitar, who lived in the same building.
“If there was something wrong in the neighborhood, he would jump in to help.”
Pretti also enjoyed competitive cycling and cared deeply about the environment, opposing policies that harmed the land.
His mother reflected: “He loved this country, but he hated what people were doing to it.”
Family Left Searching for Answers
Pretti’s family first learned about the shooting from a reporter, then struggled to get information from local authorities.
They confirmed his death with the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.
As of Saturday evening, no federal agency had directly contacted them.
They remembered his conscientious and compassionate nature: giving a $100 tip to a worker while discussing garage repairs just days before his death, and always thinking of others first.
Even in his final moments, the family emphasizes, Alex acted to protect someone else.
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