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Iowa leaders react to second fatal Minneapolis shooting by federal immigration agents
Republicans call for investigations and de-escalation, while Democrats demand ICE leave Minneapolis
Jan. 26, 2026 4:36 pm
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Iowa political leaders across parties reacted sharply this weekend after a second fatal shooting of a Minneapolis protester by federal immigration enforcement agents, an incident that has intensified demonstrations against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and widened political fault lines over immigration enforcement and public safety.
The shooting death Saturday of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, came just two weeks after Renee Good was killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis. Both deaths have fueled mass protests in Minnesota and other states, as critics accuse President Donald Trump’s administration of escalating violence as part of its immigration crackdown.
Pretti’s death was captured on video by multiple witnesses. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a concealed carry permit and no criminal record, and multiple videos captured by bystanders do not appear to show him brandishing a weapon at officers.
Still, senior administration officials defended the shooting and portrayed Pretti as an armed threat who intended to harm federal agents on a Minneapolis street where officers clashed with protesters. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called Pretti a “domestic terrorist,” while Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino said Pretti appeared eager to inflict “maximum damage and massacre law enforcement” agents.
Republican leaders call for investigation, de-escalation
U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Marion, who is running for U.S. Senate, called the events “heartbreaking” and called for an investigation, while defending ICE’s mission.
“The events in Minnesota this weekend were heartbreaking and demand a full, transparent investigation,” Hinson wrote on social media. “We must enforce our immigration laws and ensure ICE has the tools to deport criminal illegals & keep us safe — defunding ICE is a nonstarter.”
Hinson said she supports peaceful protest but condemned “rioters who are openly attacking & antagonizing law enforcement,” and criticized city policies that limit cooperation with federal authorities. She also warned against civilians intervening in law enforcement operations.
“We can and must uphold the law while still respecting Americans’ rights to peacefully assemble,“ Hinson wrote, adding that she was praying “for the Pretti family and for unity in our country.”
U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Bondurant, who represents Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District and is running for re-election, echoed calls for calm and transparency.
“Loss of life in America is always a tragedy,” Nunn posted on social media. “Leaders, law enforcement, and local communities are reeling after shots were fired in Minnesota.”
Nunn said all parties have an obligation to de-escalate as investigations continue and said he has asked ICE supervisors to brief him on agents’ rules of engagement. He previously called for a “full and transparent account” of Good’s killing.
Democrats demand federal withdrawal, accountability
Democratic lawmakers and candidates were more forceful in condemning federal law enforcement actions and calling for ICE to leave Minneapolis.
State Rep. Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, who announced Monday she is suspending her congressional campaign for Nunn’s seat, said she was “disgusted and horrified by the killing of another civilian by ICE in Minneapolis.”
“What’s happening there is not making the community or our country safer,” Konfrst posted on social media. “It’s time for ICE to leave Minneapolis and for our members of Congress to demand accountability.”
State Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, D-West Des Moines, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for Iowa’s 3rd District, called for independent investigations into both deaths.
“The news out of Minnesota about another killing by federal agents is horrific,” Trone Garriott wrote. “We need a full and independent investigation by local authorities into both this and Renee Nicole Good’s killing. None of this is keeping Americans safe, and it is unacceptable. It is time to let local officials work to help keep everyone involved safe.”
State Auditor Rob Sand, a Democrat running for governor, urged calm and cooperation between federal and local authorities.
“No one should want further violence in our communities or lives lost, and there are clear paths towards order,” Sand said in a social media post. “For example, federal law enforcement should be listening to local law enforcement to help keep everyone safe and ensure accountability. At a time where tensions remain high, our officials should work to turn the temperature down — not further fan the flames.”
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek of Council Bluffs said the situation is personal for his family and accused federal authorities of creating fear.
“My wife is an Afro-Latina immigrant, and my mother-in-law is here on a visa and does not even speak English,” Turek said in a video statement. “Families like mine are living in fear of the government. This is the United States of America, and this is unacceptable. We can recognize we need immigration laws, especially for violent criminals, but what the federal government is doing right now is not that.”
“We should not be pulling toddlers and U.S. citizens off the street and kidnapping people,” Turek continued. “Federal authorities have proven that they are making the situation worse and less safe. They need to let the local authorities handle this and protect the community of Minneapolis.”
Democratic state Sen. Zach Wahls of Coralville, who is also running for U.S. Senate, criticized ICE in a video and statement posted to social media.
"The videos out of Minneapolis today are horrific," Wahls said. "ICE is deliberately causing chaos, endangering lives and making our communities less safe. We need law and order. ICE needs to leave Minnesota. Congress needs to do its job and end this chaos."
Democratic Senate candidate Nathan Sage similarly called for federal agents to withdraw.
"No more killings. No more violence. Intimidation and fear tactics have no place on our streets," Sage posted to social media. "Pull federal agents out of Minneapolis, take the masks off and hold those responsible accountable."
Ahead of a candidate forum at Central College in Pella Sunday, Democrat Christina Bohannan, who is running for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, said the killing of Pretti is “disturbing” and called for ICE reform and a full investigation into the shooting.
“We are seeing undertrained masked agents who are killing American citizens on American streets, and then with no due process and no accountability,” Bohannan told reporters. “We need some real reform. We need to make sure that if ICE is going into our cities, and, you know, saying that they are law enforcement, they need to behave like well-trained, accountable law enforcement.
As demonstrations continue, Iowa leaders remain divided over whether federal enforcement actions are restoring order or fueling unrest — a debate likely to intensify as investigations into both Minneapolis shootings move forward.
Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff contributed to this report.
Comments: (319) 398-8499; tom.barton@thegazette.com
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