Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama on Sunday called the killing of Alex Pretti a “heartbreaking tragedy” and urged the Trump administration to change course in Minnesota, saying official public explanations surrounding recent fatal shootings “appear to be directly contradicted by video evidence.”
In a statement dated Jan. 25, 2026, the Obamas said the death should be “a wake-up call to every American” that core national values are “increasingly under assault.” The statement was posted publicly by Obama on X.
The Obamas said federal law enforcement and immigration agents “have a tough job,” but argued Americans expect those duties to be carried out “in a lawful, accountable way,” and in coordination with state and local officials to ensure public safety.
“That’s not what we’re seeing in Minnesota,” they wrote, adding that people across the country have been “rightly outraged” for weeks by what they described as masked “ICE recruits and other federal agents” acting with impunity and using tactics that “seem designed to intimidate, harass, provoke and endanger” residents of a major U.S. city.
The statement said those tactics have now resulted in the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens — Pretti and Renee Good. The Obamas said that instead of imposing discipline and accountability, the president and current administration officials “seem eager to escalate the situation,” while offering explanations “that aren’t informed by any serious investigation.”
“This has to stop,” the statement said, calling on administration officials to reconsider their approach and work constructively with Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and state and local police “to avert more chaos and achieve legitimate law enforcement goals.”
The Obamas also urged Americans to support peaceful protests and to “speak out against injustice,” protect basic freedoms, and hold the government accountable.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
