Minneapolis Grapples with Fate of Streetside 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. 16, 2026

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As the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Minnesota winds down, Minneapolis is left to determine the future 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, which took the city over five years to officially memorialize. Now, Minneapolis must navigate how to manage these new high-profile memorials while balancing community needs for grieving and healing.

Why it matters

The memorials for Good and Pretti represent the ongoing trauma and community solidarity in Minneapolis following a series of high-profile killings by law enforcement. How the city chooses to handle these memorials will signal its commitment to honoring victims and supporting residents through periods of grief and unrest.

The details

Piles of flowers, signs, and artwork have quickly formed at the locations where Good and Pretti were fatally shot by federal agents in January. The memorials have become sites of candlelight vigils, musical performances, and regular visitors. While Good's memorial is on an open residential street, Pretti's memorial along a commercial district has required the city to temporarily shift traffic lanes and close parking to protect those gathering. Minneapolis officials say they are 'actively working on next steps' for the memorials, including continued community engagement, though it's unclear if the sites will become permanent.

  • Renee Good was killed on January 7, 2026.
  • Alex Pretti was killed on January 24, 2026.

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 memorial site took the city over five years to officially establish.

Jacob Frey

The mayor of Minneapolis.

Jess Olstad

A spokesperson for the city of Minneapolis.

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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 (kfgo.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 (kfgo.com)

What’s next

The city of Minneapolis is 'actively working on next steps, including continued community engagement regarding both memorials.' It remains unclear if the memorials will become permanent fixtures.

The takeaway

The memorials for Renee Good and Alex Pretti reflect the ongoing trauma and community solidarity in Minneapolis following a series of high-profile killings by law enforcement. How the city chooses to handle these memorials will signal its commitment to honoring victims and supporting residents through periods of grief and unrest.