Barack and Michelle Obama condemn ICE, praise Minnesota anti-ICE agitators as 'peaceful' after Alex Pretti shooting

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama issued a statement Sunday responding after Border Patrol agents fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Pretti during a targeted immigration operation in Minneapolis on Saturday, describing the shooting as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and claiming that American values are “increasingly under assault.”

While acknowledging the challenges faced by federal law enforcement and immigration agents, the Obamas said the public expects those duties to be carried out within the bounds of the law. “Federal law enforcement and immigration agents have a tough job,” they wrote. “But Americans expect them to carry out their duties in a lawful, accountable way, and to work with, rather than against, state and local officials to ensure public safety.” The Obamas added, “That’s not what we’re seeing in Minnesota,” the statement said. “In fact, we’re seeing the opposite.”

The killing of Alex Pretti is a heartbreaking tragedy. It should also be a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault. pic.twitter.com/0JmEsJ1QFW

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 25, 2026