Federal Agents Kill Two People In Minneapolis Within Two Weeks

January 26, 2026

For Immediate Release

Matthew Weisbly, Education Programs/Communications Manager

Seia Watanabe, VP of Public Affairs

JACL Policy Team, Matthew Marumoto

Email: policy@jacl.org

JACL Calls for Congressional Oversight and Independent Investigation of the Department of Homeland Security’s Killings of Protestors.

The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) is outraged by the killings of two people in Minneapolis at the hands of federal immigration agents during protests against immigration enforcement operations. JACL demands accountability from the federal government for the deaths of Renee Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24. These killings are part of an alarming pattern of violence instigated by the Department of Homeland Security. In January alone, five people have been shot by federal immigration officers, including the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, with nine people in total having been killed in 2026 thus far. Not to mention the over 30 people who died while in ICE custody in 2025. Rather than proceed with an investigation or oversight into these most recent use-of-force incidents, the administration nearly instantaneously attempted to justify them, calling both Good and Pretti “domestic terrorists.” This administration has made clear through its words and actions that it values its immigration agenda over human life and the protections of the Constitution. 

“Yet again, Minneapolis has found itself in the national spotlight for a tragedy at the hands of 'law enforcement.' The stories we hear in the news capture just a fraction of the real fear and danger felt every day by people just trying to live their lives. I hope it has become painfully clear that we are all in danger when human rights are violated, and the most vulnerable among us are being rounded up.”- Vinicius Taguchi, President, JACL Twin Cities Chapter

We recognize the dangers of unchecked federal power and how it can quickly erode the protections guaranteed to us all by the Constitution. Our community was forcibly removed and incarcerated during World War II with little fanfare and little pushback from other communities or organizations. Several community members were shot and killed by soldiers in the camps, while others died due to neglect, lack of medical aid, or disease outbreaks during their incarceration. We must not stand idly by as more communities face violence and forced removal at the hands of our government. We are extremely grateful for those within our community who have already taken part and stepped up to make their voices heard and do the work on the ground. This is a turning point, and those who have stayed silent or not taken action must take a stand. None of us are free until all of us are free. 

We demand that Congress and the judiciary fulfill their constitutional obligations to check the executive branch's overreach and rein in an out-of-control DHS. Congress and the Federal government must take the following actions immediately:

• The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division must open an independent investigation into all use-of-force incidents involving federal immigration authorities. They must also allow for independent investigations by state and local officials.

• The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General must open an investigation into the recent shootings and DHS's use-of-force policy.

• The House and Senate Judiciary Committees must hold public hearings on the Department of Homeland Security’s use of force 

• The families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti must receive full transparency for details surrounding their deaths.

• The Senate must not pass the pending Fiscal 2026 Consolidated Appropriations bill.

For our members, supporters, and others who want to take action, whether you’re in Minneapolis or not: 

• Contact your U.S. Senators and urge them to vote NO on the upcoming FY2026 appropriations bill that will increase funding for ICE and Border Patrol. (The House has already approved the appropriations bill.) Click the link below to send your message.

• Check in on people in your life who are being directly affected: immigrants, people who are undocumented, or people who are naturalized citizens

• Donate to local mutual aid organizations that are directly helping immigrant communities or folks protesting, or you can also collect and distribute resources

• Sign up for an ICE bystander intervention training. Several organizations offer them for free online.

• If you are comfortable, volunteer for ICE watch patrols or other community groups that are actively supporting people on the ground.

• Learn about your rights and what you can do as a bystander or observer.

• You can observe and record actions by federal agents.

• You can notify communities, businesses, and other networks of nearby raids. 

• Participate in and uplift actions by our partners or other organizations on the ground.

We mourn the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and all those who have been killed by our federal government this year. We stand with their families. We stand with the people of Minnesota and other cities who have continued to exercise their constitutional rights despite the threat of violence. Enough is enough. If we truly believe in the idea of Never Again is Now, then let us take action yesterday. 

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The Japanese American Citizens League is a national organization whose ongoing mission is to secure and maintain the civil rights of Japanese Americans and all others who are victimized by injustice and bigotry. The leaders and members of the JACL also work to promote cultural, educational, and social values and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American community.