Dozens of Minnesota-based CEOs, including a handful of pro sports teams, sign open letter calling for ‘real solutions’

The open letter comes one day after federal officers shot and killed Alex Pretti in south Minneapolis.

MINNEAPOLIS — Dozens of CEOs from Minnesota-based companies, including several professional sports teams, have signed an open letter calling for “real solutions” as federal officers continue their immigration operations throughout the state.

The open letter comes one day after Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, was killed by federal officers in south Minneapolis. It’s the third shooting— and second fatality — in the city in less than three weeks.

“With yesterday’s tragic news, we are calling for an immediate deescalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions,” the letter reads, in part. “We have been working for generations to build a strong and vibrant state here in Minnesota and will do so in the months and years ahead with equal and even greater commitment.”

Among the companies to sign on to the letter are UnitedHealth Group, Target, CHS, Best Buy, U.S. Bancorp, 3M, General Mills and Land O’ Lakes. The professional sports teams include the Minnesota Vikings, Wild, United, Timberwolves and Lynx.

Before a game Sunday at the Target Center, Wolves coach Chris Finch provided a passionate message in the wake of Pretti’s death.

“This is my home. I love living here,” said Finch ahead of Minnesota’s game with Golden State, which was rescheduled from Saturday. “I love being a part of the community … It’s sad to watch what is happening.”

Pretti was shot and killed Saturday morning in south Minneapolis. Renee Good, also 37, was shot and killed on Jan. 7, one week before federal agents shot and injured Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis.

“The recent challenges facing our state have created widespread disruption and tragic loss of life,” the open letter from more than 60 CEOs reads, in part. “For the past several weeks, representatives of Minnesota’s business community have been working every day behind the scenes with federal, state and local officials to advance real solutions. These efforts have included close communication with the Governor, the White House, the Vice President and local mayors. There are ways for us to come together to foster progress.”