Anti-ICE Protests Erupt Nationwide After Fatal Shooting

Tensions remain high as communities plan demonstrations against Trump's immigration enforcement surge

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:31am

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Protests against President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement surge are planned in Florida, Vermont, Kentucky, and other states this weekend, following the fatal police shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into Pretti's death, while students across the country staged walkouts in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Clashes also broke out between protesters and law enforcement in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

The nationwide protests highlight growing tensions over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies and enforcement actions, which have sparked outrage and demands for accountability, especially after the fatal shooting of Pretti. The protests also reflect broader concerns about civil liberties, racial justice, and the role of federal immigration authorities.

The details

A week after federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, the Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into the incident. Initially, the Homeland Security Investigations unit was set to conduct its own probe, but the case was handed over to the FBI after calls for an independent investigation. Protests have erupted across the country, with students staging walkouts and businesses closing in solidarity. In Los Angeles, a clash broke out between protesters and law enforcement, who deployed chemical irritants on the crowd.

  • On Jan. 30, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the Department of Justice investigation into Pretti's death.
  • On Jan. 30, students at schools around the country staged walk-outs in protest of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
  • On the night of Jan. 30, a protest in Los Angeles grew heated as a clash broke out between protesters and law enforcement officers.

The players

Alex Pretti

A Minneapolis resident who was fatally shot by federal agents, sparking nationwide protests.

Todd Blanche

The Deputy Attorney General who announced the Department of Justice investigation into Pretti's death.

Don Lemon

A former CNN anchor who was arrested in connection with covering a protest at a church in Minnesota.

Tim Walz

The Governor of Minnesota who called for an impartial investigation into Pretti's death.

Tom Homan

The White House border czar who Walz has held talks with in recent days.

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What they’re saying

“This is what I would describe as a standard investigation by the FBI when there's circumstances like what we saw last Saturday.”

— Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General

“Our country is built from immigrants from the ground up. Our ancestors would be disappointed.”

— Emma Noe, 16-year-old high school sophomore

“I've spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now. There is no more important time than right now, this very moment for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable.”

— Don Lemon

“Trump's right hand cannot be responsible for investigating his left hand.”

— Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Don Lemon out on bail.

The takeaway

The nationwide protests over the fatal police shooting of Alex Pretti and the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement actions underscore the deep divisions and tensions in the country, as well as the vital role of a free and independent media in holding those in power accountable.