The man, Alex Pretti, was killed more than 1,500 miles away. Yet, the impact was felt less than 12 hours later in Tampa.
TAMPA, Fla. — Just hours after a man was shot and killed by federal agents on Saturday morning in Minneapolis, Tampa organizers planned an emergency demonstration that drew hundreds to downtown, showing solidarity and expressing outrage.
The man, Alex Pretti, was killed more than 1,500 miles away. Yet, the impact was felt less than 12 hours later in Tampa.
About 200 protesters gathered outside Tampa City Hall. Demonstrators said they were responding to video of the 37-year-old ICU nurse’s death. Many said they’re noticing a growing pattern of violence involving ICE and federal agents.
“I was horrified, disgusted, outraged of course,” said Joe Nohava, one of the organizers with Tampa Immigrants Rights Committee, after seeing the cell phone footage from the shooting scene.
The demonstration comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to defend the actions of its officers. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized Minnesota leaders following the shooting, placing blame on state and local officials.
“This is the protocol we will always follow. Who would trust Gov. [Tim] Walz at this point? The man has stood up and encouraged resistance. He has refused to partner with us. He’s sacrificed his citizens’ safety and their well-being by choosing the side of people who break the law, steal money and perpetuate violence,” Noem said during a press conference Saturday.
Noem said Saturday’s shooting did not have to happen.
“We’re praying for this deceased loved one’s family and friends, but we also recognize that the Minnesota governor and Minneapolis mayor need to take a long hard look in the mirror. They need to evaluate their rhetoric, their conversations and their encouragement of such violence against our citizens and our law enforcement officers,” Noem said.
The Tampa rally is one of several demonstrations that have taken place over the past several weeks in the Tampa Bay area — especially gaining momentum after the death of Renee Good, a mother of three who was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Jan. 7.
Many protesters said they plan to continue demonstrating as fear and anger grow. Carrollwood resident Alvaro Montealegre said the violence seems increasingly personal.
“Just feeling for that human being there killed and for the situation at large. It’s like ICE and Border Patrol are feeling like it’s hunting season on people,” Montealegre said.
The Tampa Immigrants Rights Committee was among the organizers who brought Saturday’s rally together, saying it was organized in about 12 hours. Organizers also distributed flyers that included legal information for people in the Tampa Bay area who may need representation regarding immigration.
“Even though this is happening far away, if you enjoy having civil liberties, this affects you just as much as it affects people in Minneapolis,” Nohava said.
The Tampa Immigrants Rights Committee is hosting a public volunteer meeting at 11 a.m. Sunday at St. Pete’s Barack Obama Library on 9th Avenue North.
Organizers said they hope to fight the federal 287(g) program, which allows state and local law enforcement officers to be deputized to carry out immigration enforcement tasks.