By The South Asia Times

WASHINGTON - Massive protests have spread across major U.S. cities after federal immigration agents shot and killed a man in Minneapolis, Minnesota, marking the third fatal shooting involving federal officers in the city this month, officials and witnesses said.

The latest killing has intensified national outrage over what critics describe as an unchecked crackdown by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies.

Authorities confirmed Saturday that a 37-year-old U.S. citizen was fatally shot by federal agents in south Minneapolis amid an ongoing operation targeting undocumented immigrants.

City officials identified the victim as Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse who lived and worked in the city’s veteran health care system.

Demonstrators and family members have disputed some official accounts, with viral video showing Pretti being wrestled to the ground before shots were fired.

The shooting occurred near 26th Street West and Nicollet Avenue, just blocks from where another U.S. citizen, Renée Good, was killed by an ICE agent on January 7, sparking earlier protests. A third federal shooting earlier in the month injured a man during a separate enforcement action.

- Protests spread nationwide

What began as local demonstrations in Minneapolis has quickly become a national movement. Protests have erupted in Washington, D.C., Boston, Providence and other cities, with demonstrators chanting against ICE and federal immigration policies. In Washington, crowds gathered in front of the ICE headquarters demanding accountability and an end to aggressive enforcement tactics.

In Minneapolis, clashes between protesters and law enforcement have intensified. Police and federal agents have deployed chemical irritants to disperse crowds, and the Minnesota National Guard has been activated to support local authorities. Officials declared unlawful assembly in parts of the city as tensions remain high.

- Criticism over federal tactics

Local leaders and civil rights groups have sharply criticized ICE and other federal agencies, saying their operations lack adequate oversight and have led to excessive use of force. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the latest shooting as “sickening” and demanded the withdrawal of federal agents, arguing that the state should lead investigations into the incidents.

Advocates point to a series of aggressive enforcement operations, including Operation Metro Surge, as evidence of federal overreach. Critics allege agents have used militarized tactics in urban neighborhoods, intensifying fears among immigrant communities and fueling protests.

Federal response and ongoing debate

Federal officials have defended their actions, asserting that agents acted in self-defense during enforcement operations and emphasizing the duty to apprehend individuals wanted for immigration violations. However, protesters and civil liberties organizations have called for transparent investigations and limits on federal powers, saying too much authority is vested in enforcement agencies with insufficient accountability.

The national outcry has also spilled into political arenas, with some lawmakers threatening to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless stricter oversight measures are enacted. As cities continue to see daily demonstrations, the debate over immigration enforcement and civil rights shows no sign of abating