Alex Pretti, Killed by ICE, Was One of Us

Alex Pretti was, by all accounts, the type of person we should all aspire to be more like. The 37-year-old worked tirelessly as a nurse in the intensive care unit at the VA hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, caring for our sickest veterans. In his free time, he loved walking his dog, spending time in the outdoors, and riding and racing bikes. Alex was a reader of this site, a longtime member of the Bikepacking Collective, and part of our community. He was kind, compassionate, and a good friend and neighbor to many.

While legally observing ICE/CBP movement in the streets yesterday, Alex was tackled to the ground by a group of masked agents and shot more than 10 times. He died a hero, trying to protect two fellow bystanders from being pepper-sprayed. Videos of his murder from all angles show him holding nothing more than a cell phone in his hand, filming their activity, as was his right. Among the deluge of evidence shared by outlets around the world, moment-by-moment video analysis conducted by The New York Times paints a clear, irrefutable picture of precisely what happened. The Trump administration has already begun spreading lies about the moments leading up to his death. Do not believe them.

I didn’t know Alex, but we lived just blocks apart in Minneapolis, attended the same university, were regulars at the same local bike shop, and no doubt enjoyed pedaling many of the same trails. His senseless murder by poorly trained, anonymous agents means we’ll never have the chance to do so together, but as a community, we can ride for him. We can show up in his memory and take a stand in his honor.

Take Action

In the wake of yet another tragedy at the hands of ICE and CBP and their unjust campaigns throughout our communities across the country, we encourage you to take action. You can send a note to your local representatives demanding a stop to their raids and attacks by using this pre-filled form from the American Civil Liberties Union; you can donate to one of many vetted groups doing essential work on the ground in Minneapolis via Stand with Minnesota; and you can check on your friends and loved ones, help defend your immigrant neighbors, and fill the streets in peaceful protest to demand justice. Ride in peace, Alex.

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.