The growing unease around law enforcement tactics in the United States has started to ripple far beyond American shores.
Over the weekend, a fatal encounter in Minneapolis involving federal immigration officers has sparked outrage, protests, and now international concern — including from the UK’s prime minister.
Starmer Weighs In While Heading Abroad
Speaking to reporters while traveling to China for an official visit, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer didn’t mince words about what he had seen so far.
While stressing that he hadn’t reviewed every detail, Starmer said the footage circulating from Minneapolis raised serious red flags.
From his perspective, anyone who has watched the videos would struggle not to find them troubling.
What Happened to Alex Pretti
The man at the center of the incident was Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse who was shot and killed on Saturday during a protest in Minneapolis.
US immigration officers opened fire on him, and multiple videos show Pretti lying on the ground at the time he was shot.
Although he legally possessed a firearm and held a valid permit, none of the footage shows him holding the weapon during the encounter.
A Pattern That’s Fueling Public Anger
Pretti’s death has intensified anger that has been building for months.
Across the US, masked and heavily armed agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol have faced criticism for detaining people suspected of immigration violations directly off the streets.
The Minneapolis shooting has now become a flashpoint, triggering protests and drawing condemnation from politicians on both sides of the aisle.
Echoes of a Recent Tragedy
The shooting came less than three weeks after another deadly incident in the same city.
On January 7, Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was also killed during an encounter with an ICE agent.
The proximity of the two deaths has only amplified public concern and suspicion about the conduct of federal agents operating in Minneapolis.
Pressure Mounts on the White House
Facing widespread backlash — including criticism of early statements that appeared to blame Pretti — President Donald Trump acknowledged the rising tension.
On Tuesday, he said he would “de-escalate a little bit” in Minneapolis.
According to officials, he has also spoken with local Democratic leaders, and some of the 3,000 federal agents sent to the city are expected to withdraw in the coming days.
Where Things Stand Now
With protests continuing and international voices weighing in, the Minneapolis shooting has become more than a local issue.
As investigations unfold and federal forces begin to scale back their presence, attention is turning to what accountability might look like — and whether this moment will lead to real changes in how immigration enforcement is carried out on the streets of American cities.
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