Two US Citizens Killed in ICE Raids Shape Minnesota Vote
Federal immigration officials killed two US citizens — nurse Alex Pretti and writer Renee Nicole Good — during a mass enforcement operation in Minneapolis in January 2026. On Election Day, Minnesota voters left "I Voted" stickers at their memorial sites, making the deaths a visible symbol in the state's midterm races. The killings have reshaped how communities across Minnesota think about deportation enforcement and who bears its cost.
Two US citizens — Alex Pretti, 37, an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA medical center, and Renee Nicole Good, a writer and mother of three — were killed by federal immigration officials during a large-scale enforcement operation in the Minneapolis area in January 2026. On Election Day, Minnesota voters left "I Voted" stickers at their memorial sites.
What happened during Operation Metro Surge
The Trump administration launched "Operation Metro Surge" in the Minneapolis region at the end of 2025 and into early 2026. Federal immigration officials carried out mass arrests across the area. Community groups organized rapid response teams to monitor and document ICE activity. The situation escalated sharply after Pretti and Good were killed. Many of those same community groups then shifted their focus toward the November midterm elections.
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Arne, a retired physician who worked alongside Pretti, left his sticker at Pretti's memorial. "He was a competent nurse — a really, really liked guy. And he was assassinated," Arne said. Another voter, Mike F., left his sticker at Good's memorial site. "I felt like my vote felt a little bit more in touch with some of the things that happened earlier this year in the city," he said. Minnesota voters are choosing a US Senator, a governor, and House candidates in this cycle.
At a polling site in a primarily Somali neighborhood in Minneapolis, the Rev. Shandon Klein of Park Avenue United Methodist Church said she was present to ensure every voter had access. "There's a general feeling of empowerment and really excited to get out there and vote," Klein said. As of Election Day, no federal law enforcement officials had been spotted at voting sites, despite earlier threats by the Trump administration to deploy them.
What to do
- If you witness ICE activity near a polling place, contact a local immigration rapid response hotline immediately — many cities have 24-hour lines staffed by legal observers.
- Know your rights: you do not have to answer questions from federal agents about your immigration status. You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer.
- If a family member is detained during an enforcement operation, contact an immigration lawyer as soon as possible to request a bond hearing (a court proceeding where a judge decides whether your relative can be released while their case continues).
- Document any enforcement activity you see — video, time, location, badge numbers — and share it with a local legal aid organization.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
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When federal agents conduct large-scale operations, anyone present — including US citizens and green card holders — can be swept up. If you are detained, invoke your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment and your right to counsel before answering any questions. Families should keep the name and phone number of an immigration attorney accessible at all times, because the first 24–48 hours after an arrest are critical for requesting a bond hearing. Consult an immigration attorney now, before an emergency happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ICE detain a US citizen during a raid?
Yes, it can happen by mistake. US citizens have the right to remain silent and to demand release. If you are detained, clearly state that you are a US citizen and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not sign any documents without legal counsel.
What is a rapid response team and how does it help immigrants?
A rapid response team is a community group that monitors and documents ICE activity in real time. Members can be legal observers, attorneys, or trained volunteers. They alert families, connect people with lawyers, and sometimes deter unlawful arrests through their presence.
Can federal agents come to polling places on Election Day?
Federal law prohibits intimidating voters at polling sites. In 2026, the Trump administration threatened to deploy federal agents to voting locations, but none were reported at Minnesota sites on Election Day. If you see any law enforcement presence that feels intimidating, contact your state's election protection hotline.
What should I do if a family member is detained during an immigration raid?
Contact an immigration lawyer as fast as possible. The attorney can file for a bond hearing — a court proceeding where a judge decides whether your relative can be released while their immigration case continues. Gather any documents that prove lawful status, US citizen family ties, or long-term residence, as these help at the hearing.