Duluth City Council Members Condemn Congressman's Response to Shooting

Elected officials call for removal of federal immigration enforcement from Minnesota and an independent investigation into the death of Alex Pretti.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:55am

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Four Duluth City Council members have issued a strongly worded statement criticizing Congressman Pete Stauber's response to the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old Minnesota ICU nurse, by U.S. Border Patrol agents during a federal enforcement operation. The council members assert that Stauber's call to 'lower the temperature' and blame local leaders and residents for escalating tensions was unacceptable, and they demand the removal of all Department of Homeland Security immigration enforcement operations from Minnesota as well as a fully independent and transparent investigation into Pretti's death.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing tensions between federal immigration enforcement agencies and local communities, as well as concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the actions of these federal agents. The Duluth City Council members' statement reflects the broader public outcry over the use of deadly force and the need for meaningful reforms to prevent future tragedies.

The details

According to the council members' statement, multiple eyewitness accounts and video evidence raised serious questions about the use of deadly force by U.S. Border Patrol agents in the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old Minnesota ICU nurse who worked at the VA caring for veterans. However, Congressman Stauber's response failed to acknowledge these concerns and instead deflected responsibility away from the federal immigration enforcement agency, urging the public to 'lower the temperature' and blaming local leaders and residents for escalating tensions.

  • On January 24, 2026, Alex Pretti was shot and killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents during a federal enforcement operation in Minneapolis.

The players

Pete Stauber

A U.S. Congressman representing Minnesota's 8th congressional district.

Alex Pretti

A 37-year-old Minnesota ICU nurse who worked at the VA caring for veterans and was killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents during a federal enforcement operation.

Jordon Johnson

An elected Duluth City Council member serving as an at-large member.

Janet Kennedy

An elected Duluth City Council member representing District 5.

Roz Randorf

An elected Duluth City Council member representing District 3.

Terese Tomanek

An elected Duluth City Council member serving as an at-large member.

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What they’re saying

“We call on Congressman Stauber to demonstrate real leadership by supporting the removal of U.S. Border Patrol and all Department of Homeland Security immigration enforcement operations from Minnesota and from our states. We also demand a fully independent, transparent investigation into Alex Pretti's death and meaningful federal reforms to prevent the further losses of life.”

— Jordon Johnson, Janet Kennedy, Roz Randorf, and Terese Tomanek, Duluth City Council members

What’s next

The Duluth City Council members have called for the removal of U.S. Border Patrol and all Department of Homeland Security immigration enforcement operations from Minnesota, as well as a fully independent and transparent investigation into Alex Pretti's death. They have also demanded meaningful federal reforms to prevent further loss of life.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing tensions between federal immigration enforcement agencies and local communities, as well as the need for greater transparency, accountability, and reform in the way these federal agencies operate. The Duluth City Council members' strong condemnation of Congressman Stauber's response reflects the broader public outcry over the use of deadly force and the desire for local leaders to prioritize human life and constitutional rights over political rhetoric.