Protests have erupted in Minneapolis, USA, after an American citizen was shot and killed by ICE agents, the federal immigration enforcement agency. Local leaders have condemned the killing.
Alex Pretty, 37, was shot and killed by ICE agents on Saturday. ICE agents tackled him to the ground and shot him multiple times in the back.
This marks the second time this month that an American citizen has been killed in an ICE shooting in Minneapolis. Earlier this month, ICE shot and killed a woman named Renee Goode.
The shooting of Prety came a day after more than 10,000 people took to the streets in Minneapolis in bitter cold to protest the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration policies and other harsh measures.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in the area after the shooting of Pretty. They were confronted by armed and masked ICE agents, who fired tear gas canisters and flashbang grenades at the protesters.
City police and state law enforcement arrived at the scene to quell the situation. The situation calmed down somewhat Saturday night after federal agents left the area, but protesters remained on the streets for several hours.
This incident sparked protests not only in Minneapolis, but also in New York, Washington DC, and San Francisco.
Minneapolis residents are already outraged by a number of incidents, including Goode's murder, the arrest of an American citizen from his home wearing shorts, and the arrest of schoolchildren.
Local officials urged everyone to exercise restraint. "Please don't destroy our city," said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara.
Conflict between federal and local officials
Pretty's killing has heightened tensions between local and federal officials, who have been at odds with the Trump administration over the January 7 shooting death of another American, Renee Goode.
US Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem told reporters that the man who was killed on Saturday attacked agents, although she did not say specifically whether the man had pulled out a weapon.
Federal officials say Pretty was in possession of a firearm. They have released a photo of the weapon.
Noem said at the press conference that the person (Pretty) did not go there to protest peacefully. Rather, his intention was to incite violence.
But local leaders have questioned the federal government's claim. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said, "I've seen the video from different angles and it's horrific."
Governor Tim Walz also said that the federal government cannot be trusted to lead the investigation into this incident. The state government will handle the matter.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Investigation Chief Drew Evans said his team was trying to begin an investigation on Saturday when federal agents blocked them.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said the deceased had a legal weapon. He had no serious criminal record, only a few traffic violations.
Governor Tim Walz and other local officials have demanded an immediate end to the Trump administration's anti-immigration crackdown.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said at a news conference, "How many more residents, how many more American citizens have to die or be seriously injured before this crackdown stops?"
US President Donald Trump has accused local elected officials of fomenting rebellion.
"The Mayor and Governor are fomenting rebellion with their arrogant, dangerous and angry rhetoric," Trump wrote on social media.
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