Viewing Violent ICE Videos Takes a Toll on Mental Health

Experts offer tips to protect wellbeing when consuming disturbing content

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:15pm

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The recent high-profile police shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti have led to a flood of graphic videos circulating online, which experts say can have a significant negative impact on the mental health of those who view the content, even if they are not directly connected to the events.

Why it matters

Consuming violent or disturbing content, even secondhand, can trigger trauma responses, anxiety, and other mental health issues. It's important for people to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect their wellbeing when engaging with this type of material.

The details

The videos depict the fatal shootings of Renee Good by an ICE agent on January 7th and Alex Pretti by federal agents on January 24th. Experts say the mental health impact on viewers can actually rival that of people who are indirectly connected to the events, underscoring the need for self-care strategies.

  • The Renee Good shooting occurred on January 7, 2026.
  • The Alex Pretti shooting occurred on January 24, 2026.

The players

Renee Good

A person fatally shot by an ICE agent on January 7, 2026.

Jonathan Ross

An ICE agent who fatally shot Renee Good on January 7, 2026.

Alex Pretti

A person fatally shot by federal agents on January 24, 2026.

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The takeaway

Consuming disturbing content, even secondhand, can have significant mental health consequences. It's important for people to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect their wellbeing, such as limiting exposure, practicing self-care, and seeking support when needed.