Hundreds rallied outside the Wisconsin State Capitol Sunday to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s escalation in Minneapolis, where an increase in federal immigration enforcement has led to high-profile shootings and fueled widespread outrage and activism.
Sunday’s demonstration was hosted in response to 37-year-old Alex Pretti’s death, the third civilian — and second fatal — shooting by a federal agent in Minneapolis. Renee Nicole Good, the first shooting victim, died Jan. 7.
The Madison protest reflects growing national frustration over aggressive actions by the Trump administration's federal agencies responsible for immigration enforcement.
“We’re protesting against the brutality,” said Alix Olson, a protester at the rally. “The murders that [they have] been perpetrating in Minneapolis, [and] the illegality of what they’re doing.”
A protester holds a sign saying "HUMAN RIGHTS ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE" at an anti-ICE protest at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2025.
The killing of Pretti, who had a concealed carry permit, has sparked anti-ICE sentiment across the political spectrum, as Second Amendment supporters have criticized U.S. Customs and Border Protection for infringing on constitutional rights.
Local and state officials across the Midwest have issued statements condemning the violence since Saturday.
“American citizens are having their rights and freedoms violated and are being put in unsafe and life-threatening situations in their own communities,” Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said in a statement Monday. “It has to stop.”
Federal agencies defended their actions as lawful and justified. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino claimed agents were attempting to disarm Pretti and acted in self-defense when Pretti resisted, but video evidence and witness reports run counter to this claim.
“More people need to be aware of what’s happening and the lies being told,” Nicole, a protester who asked that their last name be omitted, said.
“Alex could’ve been any one of us. Renee could’ve been any one of us,” said one protester, who asked to remain anonymous. “This administration, going all the way to the Supreme Court and the three branches, they’re coming after us. And I’m pissed. Everybody’s pissed. And we want to step up.”
City, state and civil rights leaders in Minneapolis have filed lawsuits against Operation Metro Surge. Several are actively moving through the court process, including one that argues the operation is “unconstitutional and unlawful.” Wisconsin has since added its support to a lawsuit requesting a federal judge to order ICE to back down in Minnesota.
“What’s happening in Minneapolis should not be happening, period,” Mason Hart, a protestor, said.
Jake Wesson is a staff writer and photographer for The Daily Cardinal. He has written stories covering politics, protests, public safety and more. You can follow him on Twitter @jake_wesson11.
Drew Wesson is a staff writer and photographer for The Daily Cardinal. He has written stories covering public safety, protests, political events and more. You can follow him on Twitter @drewwesson1.
