Democracy Now! Audio Democracy Now! 2026-01-26 Monday
Jan 26, 2026
Nakeema Levy-Armstrong, civil rights attorney and minister who was arrested during an anti-ICE protest, speaks about her arrest, charges, and activism in Minnesota. Dr. Asma Shackett, physician and VA clinical researcher, recalls hiring and working with Alex Pretti and the impact of his death on caregivers. They discuss protests, federal immigration actions, community organizing, and the grief rippling through the VA and Minneapolis.
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Institutional Pushback And Political Stakes
- Political and legal fallout followed the shootings, with Democrats threatening to block DHS funding and calls to impeach the Homeland Security Secretary.
- Local FBI investigators faced pressure and resignations over attempts to probe ICE-related killings.
Onlookers Describe Pretti's Killing
- John Hamilton describes the moment Alex Pretti was tackled, pepper-sprayed, and shot while filming a protest.
- Video shows Pretti never reached for his gun and agents fired multiple rounds, including at his motionless body.
Community Care At The Vigil
- Local volunteers converted a donut shop into a warming hub offering medics, snacks, and supplies during protests.
- Medics treated tear-gas injuries, fainting, and asthma triggered by heavy crowd-control tactics.
