Hollywood stars Natalie Portman and Olivia Wilde joined a growing chorus of voices condemning a fatal shooting in Minneapolis over the weekend.
The victim, Alex Pretti, 37, was shot multiple times by Department of Homeland Security agents while attempting to record an arrest of a female protester.
The incident has reignited national debates over law enforcement practices and immigration enforcement.
Both Portman and Wilde attended the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, wearing “ICE Out” pins to show solidarity with protesters opposing the government crackdown.
Their public statements underscored deep concern over the ongoing enforcement actions in Minneapolis and other cities.
A Life Cut Short
Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse at a local Veterans Affairs hospital, was killed after being tackled to the ground by federal officers.
Video footage shows Pretti filming the arrest of a woman on his phone before being suddenly confronted and shot.
Officials from DHS later claimed Pretti brandished a weapon, though family members and analysts of the video dispute this account.
Pretti’s family released a statement describing him as a devoted caregiver and loving son who had his hands up at the time of the shooting.
“Alex wanted to make a difference in this world.
Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact,” they said.
Celebrity Outrage at Sundance
Speaking to Variety, Natalie Portman reflected on the national mood: “It’s impossible not to talk about the brutality of ICE and how it has to stop immediately,” she said.
“But also there’s a beautiful community showing up for each other, protecting each other, and fighting for their freedom.”
Olivia Wilde was more forthright during the premiere of her film The Invite.
“This country is hurting. People are being murdered, and I don’t want to normalize seeing that violence,” she said.
“If we can do anything to support the movement to cast ICE out and delegitimize this criminal organization, then that’s what we should be doing.”
A Man Who Cared Deeply
Pretti’s life outside activism reflected a man committed to service and community.
Born in Illinois and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, he was active in sports, the Boy Scouts, and choir as a youth.
He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2011 with a degree in biology, society, and the environment before training as a registered nurse.
His family described him as warmhearted, generous, and dedicated, often helping neighbors and going out of his way to support others, from tipping workers generously to assisting in minor home repairs.
Pretti was also a competitive cyclist and devoted to his beloved dog, Joule, who passed away recently.
Questions Around the Shooting
Footage from the incident shows Pretti holding an object that appears to be a phone, while his other hand is free.
One DHS agent removed what appeared to be a legally owned handgun from his waistband, but the family insists he was not carrying it at the time of the shooting.
The family said communication from law enforcement has been frustratingly slow.
Pretti’s parents only confirmed his death after watching video footage and contacting the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.
No federal officers had reached out to them directly by Saturday evening.
Pretti’s Commitment to Justice
Alex Pretti had previously participated in protests following the killing of Renee Good by ICE.
His father, Michael Pretti, said his son cared deeply about social justice, environmental protection, and the treatment of immigrants.
“He thought it was terrible, you know, kidnapping children, just grabbing people off the street.
He cared about those people, and he knew it was wrong, so he did participate in protests,” he said.
His dedication to his work as a nurse, his community, and activism illustrates the life of a man deeply invested in the well-being of others, leaving an enduring impression on friends, family, and colleagues alike.
Remembering a Life of Compassion
Neighbors remember Pretti as quiet but generous and warmhearted.
He lived alone but often hosted friends and never hesitated to help those around him.
Whether assisting with potential hazards in his building or engaging with his community, Pretti’s impact was felt daily.
As public attention continues on this shooting, his story highlights both the personal loss and the broader social questions surrounding the use of federal force in domestic settings.
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