Protesters in Minneapolis are calling for the removal of federal immigration officers after a man was fatally shot by a US Border Patrol agent during recent clashes. The incident led to a resurgence of protests in frigid temperatures, with demonstrators identifying the victim as Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse who had participated in protests against Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

Following the shooting, a confrontation ensued between protesters and federal officers, resulting in the officers using batons and flash bangs to disperse the crowd. The Department of Homeland Security stated that federal officers fired “defensive shots” after encountering a man armed with a handgun who resisted their attempts to disarm him.

This marks the second fatal shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis this month, following a previous incident on January 7 involving US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). President Trump criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, questioning the lack of local police intervention and accusing them of inciting insurrection.

Eyewitnesses have disputed the official narrative, claiming that Pretti was unarmed at the time of the altercation. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that Pretti was a licensed gun owner.

The incident has sparked ongoing protests, with a significant turnout at the ‘Ice Out of Minnesota’ demonstration despite freezing temperatures. Clashes between protesters and federal agents continued, resulting in some arrests. Additionally, a vigil was held in Los Angeles to honor the victims of ICE-related incidents.