Kimmel Reacts to Fatal Shooting by ICE Agents; Trump Defends Agency Amidst Growing Criticism
Minneapolis, MN – Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel emotionally reacted to the death of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse who was fatally shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, January 25, 2026, has sparked widespread criticism of ICE and drawn a response from former President Donald Trump, who defended the agency.
Kimmel, on Monday night's "Jimmy Kimmel Live," broke down in tears while discussing Pretti's death, according to Variety. He described ICE agents as "goons committing vile, heartless and even criminal acts."
The shooting of Pretti is one of two recent fatal shootings in Minneapolis involving federal agents. On January 7, Renee Good was also killed by federal officers during a surge of agents to Minnesota for an immigration crackdown, according to Time. Video evidence in both cases suggests that federal agents may have ignored or defied protocol.
These incidents have led to growing concerns among legal experts, lawmakers, and the public that ICE and the Border Patrol are operating recklessly and outside the norms of law enforcement, Time reported. Across Minnesota, there have been reports of immigration agents arresting U.S. citizens and legal immigrants.
The Trump administration has responded to the shootings by smearing the victims, misrepresenting the facts, and refusing to cooperate with local investigators, according to Time. Despite previously championing gun rights, Trump has seemingly betrayed his base to defend ICE, according to Time.
The controversy comes six years after Mark and Patricia McCloskey, a couple who gained notoriety for brandishing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters in St. Louis, warned that a Democratic government could come for gun owners. Now, Mark McCloskey has expressed a similar sentiment, stating, "Say goodbye to the Second Amendment. Once again, the government is using crisis to take away your rights," according to Time.
The Department of Justice has not yet released a statement regarding the investigation. The situation remains tense in Minneapolis as community members and activists call for greater accountability and transparency from federal law enforcement agencies.
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