More death in Minnesota: Letters to the Editor — Jan. 29, 2026

A card with images depicting Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by federal immigration agents trying to detain him on January 24, and Renee Nicole Good, who was fatally shot by a Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on January 7, is placed at a makeshift memorial at the site where Pretti was fatally shot, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 28, 2026. REUTERS

The Issue: Investigations into the death of anti-ICE protester Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse in Minneapolis.

Can we still support ICE without condoning the killings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti (“Feds probe shot from seized gun,” Jan. 27)?

Can’t ICE just use less-than-lethal force to control protesters? These shootings remind me of the Kent State tragedies.

Richard Wolpoe

Teaneck, NJ

The rhetoric is typically oversimplifications to stir up emotions and propagate chaos, whether by design or ignorance.

For cooler minds to prevail, everyone — on both sides of the immigrant- border-enforcement debate — needs to learn the words: “We await the results of the investigation.”

Deirdre Harvey

Valley Stream

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Alex Pretti had “approached US border patrol officers with a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun.”

The Department of Homeland Security said, “This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.” With a cellphone and one raised empty hand?

President Trump’s policies and those enabling them will lead to massive Republican losses in both the 2026 and 2028 elections. Until the 271 GOP lawmakers in Congress repudiate Trump’s policies, it may also spell the end of the Republican Party.

Michael Baron

Corrales, NM

I think as the gun was being removed from the nurse who was protesting, one of the ICE agents was yelling “gun, gun.” Some agents didn’t realize the gun was in their own hands and started shooting. They didn’t realize the gun was not in Alex Pretti’s hand.

It was a matter of confusion. This was sad and unnecessary, but Pretti was foolish to bring his gun to protest.

Brenda Hodgkiss

Atlantic Highlands, NJ

Alex Pretti was holding his phone with one hand and using the other to shield a woman being pepper-sprayed during a protest. An ICE agent took away Pretti’s licensed firearm, and then Pretti was shot at least 10 times. To hell with the Constitution, it seems.

The Trump crime family and his administration of cult followers want Americans to believe what they’re told and not what they see.

Robert LaRosa Sr.

Whitestone

The Issue: Arrests made in connection with the anti-ICE protest at a church in St. Paul, Minn.

I can’t help but comment on the idiotic statement made by Chauntyll Louisa Allen, the Black Lives Matter “activist” and, incredibly, a member of the St. Paul Public Schools Board of Education (“Church storm trio busted,” Jan. 23).

She claimed to be inspired by Jesus Christ, saying: “When things weren’t going right in the church, he went in and he flipped tables.” No lady, Jesus didn’t “flip tables” in any church; he challenged religious leaders nonviolently in a synagogue. You know what else he didn’t do? He didn’t terrorize children, but you did. Shame on you.

Michelle Graham

Lynbrook

Although no one died, the raid on the Cities Church in St. Paul should still be considered an act of terrorism. Agitators spewed hate like bullets that will scar the terrified worshipers for life.

Hate should never be allowed to take the pulpit, as the church is a hallowed place of faith, of hope, and of love.

Donathan Salkaln

Chelsea

TikTok clown William Kelly was arrested for invading the church during services. He claimed that he was peaceful and welcomed; in his warped mind, maybe.

Finally the agitators are being held accountable and hopefully punished.

Jean Cole

Juno Beach, Fla.

Want to weigh in on today’s stories? Send your thoughts (along with your full name and city of residence) to [email protected]. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.