Barack And Michelle Obama Condemns Trump and ICE After Minneapolis Killing of Alex Pretti
Written by b87fm on 01/26/2026
Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama issued a forceful condemnation of Donald Trump and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
In a joint statement, the Obamas described Pretti’s death as both a tragedy and a warning sign about the erosion of American values.
“The killing of Alex Pretti is a heartbreaking tragedy. It should also be a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault,” the Obamas said. “Federal law enforcement and immigration agents have a tough job. But Americans expect them to carry out their duties in a lawful, accountable way — and to work with, rather than against, state and local officials to ensure public safety.”
The former first couple said public outrage is justified, particularly over what they described as aggressive and intimidating tactics by federal agents.
“People are rightly outraged by the spectacle of masked ICE recruits and other federal agents acting with impunity,” the statement continued, accusing officers of using methods “designed to intimidate, harass, provoke, and endanger the residents of a major American city.”
The killing of Alex Pretti is a heartbreaking tragedy. It should also be a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault. pic.twitter.com/0JmEsJ1QFW
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 25, 2026
They also criticized Trump and members of his administration for appearing “eager to escalate the rhetoric” rather than de-escalate tensions.
Barack Obama echoed those sentiments in a separate post on X over the weekend, reiterating that Pretti’s killing should alarm Americans across the political spectrum.
“People across the country have been rightly outraged by the spectacle of masked ICE recruits and other federal agents acting with impunity,” Obama wrote. “Engaging in tactics that seem designed to intimidate, harass, provoke, and endanger the residents of a major American city.”
Pretti was shot and killed by ICE agents on Saturday, Jan. 24, following a confrontation in Minneapolis. Video footage from the scene reportedly shows Pretti holding a phone in his right hand and nothing in his left at the time he was fatally shot.
His death follows another high-profile killing in the city. In January, Renée Nicole Good was shot by an ICE agent during a protest, further intensifying scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
On Monday, Jan. 26, federal judges are scheduled to hear two cases related to the expanded presence of immigration agents in the state. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is expected to appear in court to argue for an end to “Operation Metro Surge,” the federal initiative behind the increased enforcement activity.
