Masked ICE Agents Spark Outrage After Deadly Shootings

Parenting amid injustice proves challenging as families grapple with how to discuss complex issues with children.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:55pm

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In the wake of recent shootings involving masked federal immigration agents, parents are struggling to explain the violence and injustice to their children. The article explores the experiences of Houston-area families as they navigate these difficult conversations, highlighting the complexities of raising compassionate and aware kids in turbulent times.

Why it matters

The use of force by masked federal agents has sparked national outrage and raised urgent questions about accountability and the appropriate use of power. As parents, there is a need to address these issues with children in an age-appropriate manner, fostering understanding and a sense of civic responsibility.

The details

The article focuses on the experiences of Houston-area families, including a mother who had to quickly turn off the television when news of the shooting of ICE nurse Alex Pretti appeared, and another family that regularly takes their 8-year-old son to protests on issues of racial justice and immigrant rights. Experts encourage parents to be honest with their children about injustice, rather than pretending everything is fine.

  • On January 24, 2026, ICE agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, in Minneapolis.
  • In recent weeks, the shootings of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent and Keith Porter by an off-duty ICE agent have also ignited national outrage.

The players

Alex Pretti

A 37-year-old ICU nurse who was fatally shot by federal agents on January 24, 2026 in Minneapolis.

Renee Nicole Good

A person who was killed by an ICE agent in a recent incident.

Keith Porter

A person who was fatally shot by an off-duty ICE agent in a recent incident.

Amitiss Mahvash

A Houston native living in Austin with her 8-year-old son and husband, who regularly takes their son to protests on issues of racial justice and immigrant rights.

Corey Baum

Amitiss Mahvash's husband, a country-singer and songwriter of white European descent.

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What they’re saying

“I'm trying to be honest. In our family, working toward racial justice is a priority. I also think most kids understand what's fair and not fair. I want to make sure that he knows as people, our role is to build a better world.”

— Amitiss Mahvash, Parent (Instagram)

“When children ask what's happened, I'd say, 'A person who was hurt and on the ground was harmed. ICE caused that harm. They chose violence instead of care.'”

— Britt Hawthorne, Antiracist Educator and Author (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case of the ICE agent shooting will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the agent out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for greater accountability and transparency around the use of force by federal agents. As parents, we must have difficult conversations with our children to foster understanding, empathy, and a commitment to building a more just society.