Minneapolis Grapples with Future of Memorials for Two Killed by Federal Agents

City must decide how to manage makeshift memorial sites honoring Renee Good and Alex Pretti

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Minnesota winds down, Minneapolis is left to determine the fate of makeshift memorial sites that have sprung up to honor Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two U.S. citizens killed by federal agents last month. The public grieving spots echo the community-driven memorial to George Floyd, and the city must now navigate how to officially memorialize these latest high-profile deaths.

Why it matters

The memorials to Good and Pretti represent the community's grief and solidarity in the face of these tragic killings by federal agents. However, the city must balance honoring the victims with practical concerns around traffic flow and public safety. Minneapolis' experience managing the George Floyd memorial offers lessons, but each case is unique and the city faces difficult decisions about the future of these sites.

The details

Piles of flowers, signs, and artwork quickly formed at the locations where Good and Pretti were fatally shot by federal agents in January. The memorials have become hubs of public grieving, with candlelight vigils and musical performances drawing regular visitors. The residential street where Good died remains open, but with orange traffic cones creating a narrow walkway for those paying respects. Around Pretti's memorial in a commercial district, traffic lanes have been temporarily shifted and parking closed off to protect the gathering space.

  • Renee Good was killed on January 7, 2026.
  • Alex Pretti was killed on January 24, 2026.
  • It took the city more than 5 years to figure out how to officially memorialize the site of George Floyd Square, with construction set to begin this year.

The players

Renee Good

A U.S. citizen killed by federal agents in Minneapolis in January 2026.

Alex Pretti

A U.S. citizen killed by federal agents in Minneapolis in January 2026.

George Floyd

A man murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis in 2020, whose death sparked community-driven memorials.

Jacob Frey

The mayor of Minneapolis.

Jess Olstad

A spokesperson for the city of Minneapolis.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is so unfair, the trauma, for everyone, is too much. We're all in this together. And I'm really glad they have this here so everybody can come and be together.”

— Karel Hoffmann, Minnesota resident (ksgf.com)

“I printed both of their pictures and put those on there again, just to signify the love that we have for both of them, really, and their contributions to the community and supporting their neighbors.”

— Lynn Elrod, Nurse (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The city of Minneapolis is 'actively working on next steps, including continued community engagement regarding both memorials.' It is 'too early' to comment on whether the memorials will be made permanent.

The takeaway

The makeshift memorials to Renee Good and Alex Pretti reflect the community's grief and solidarity, but also present practical challenges for the city of Minneapolis. As it navigates this process, the city's experience with the George Floyd memorial offers lessons, though each case is unique. Balancing honoring the victims with public safety and traffic flow will be a delicate task for city officials.