Catholic bishops in the United States have urged restraint, peace, and respect for human life following the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident by federal immigration agents, an incident that has intensified tensions in the city. The appeal came after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers shot Alex Pretti, a 37 year old intensive care nurse and US citizen, during a street confrontation on Saturday. Federal authorities said agents believed Pretti was armed while intervening during an enforcement action, though local officials later confirmed that he held a valid permit for a legally registered handgun. Video footage circulating publicly appeared to show Pretti holding a mobile phone rather than a weapon at the moment of confrontation, contributing to widespread public anger and renewed scrutiny of federal immigration operations in Minnesota.
The killing prompted large scale demonstrations across Minneapolis, with thousands gathering for protests and vigils over the weekend. Pretti’s death followed another fatal shooting involving ICE agents earlier this month, in which Renee Good, a 37 year old mother, was killed under disputed circumstances. Together, the two incidents have intensified debate over the federal government’s immigration enforcement tactics and the use of lethal force. Community leaders warned that public trust has been severely strained, particularly as both victims were residents with established ties to the city. Local authorities confirmed that investigations into both incidents remain ongoing, while civil rights groups have called for federal oversight and independent review.
Responding to the unrest, Bernard Hebda issued a statement calling for prayer and reflection, urging residents to seek peace amid rising anger. He emphasized that every person is created in the image and likeness of God, including elected officials, law enforcement personnel, and undocumented migrants. The Archbishop invited Catholics across the city to gather for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, describing churches as spaces for quiet discernment during moments of collective grief. His message focused on healing divisions and confronting prejudice, warning that justice and peace cannot be achieved while fear and dehumanization persist within public life.
Separately, Paul Coakley, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, called on Americans to reject dehumanizing rhetoric and acts that threaten life. In a statement released Sunday, he urged calm and dialogue, stressing that public authorities carry a special responsibility to protect human dignity in service of the common good. He referenced recent appeals for peace by Pope Leo XIV, reiterating that peace is built on respect for persons across political, cultural, and social divides. The bishops’ statements positioned the Church as a moral voice seeking de escalation amid growing polarization.
Meanwhile, federal authorities signaled that immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota could face judicial review. US President Donald Trump said his administration is reviewing the Minneapolis shooting and indicated openness to reducing ICE presence in the area, though no timeline was provided. A federal judge is expected to hear arguments in a case that could temporarily halt expanded immigration operations in the state. Minnesota officials have challenged recent increases in federal deployments, arguing they have contributed to instability. As legal proceedings advance, community leaders warned that further escalation could deepen social fractures unless accountability and restraint are clearly demonstrated.
