Stella Carlson thought she’d spend her Saturday morning painting children’s faces at a church. Instead, she found herself in the middle of a series of protests and heightened immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities. This community turmoil had been her focus in recent weeks, as she engaged in grassroots efforts to inform her neighbors about federal immigration actions. The tragic killing of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer had left a lasting mark on Carlson and others nearby.
“Every time I put that whistle around my neck, I feel the risk,” Carlson shared. “After Renee’s death, we all knew this could happen to any of us.”
Yet, she couldn’t predict that she would soon film an incident where another man, Alex Pretti, would lose his life. Carlson’s video became crucial in countering the narrative from the Trump administration that painted Pretti as a threat. On her way to work, she heard the familiar warning whistles signaling the approach of immigration officers.
Driving down Nicollet Avenue, Carlson witnessed what she first described as chaos in the street. She recalled how Pretti seemed to be managing the situation, attempting to direct traffic. “It felt like someone evaluating the moment and doing what they could to help,” she said.
She got out of her car and began recording. Contrary to official claims, her video showed that Pretti—an ICU nurse—was never hostile. He spent his final moments trying to assist a woman who had fallen. In fact, it was shown later that an officer took Pretti’s handgun from its holster moments before he was shot.
“I knew he was gone as soon as I saw it,” Carlson reflected on the scene. The aftermath revealed a struggle to provide aid to Pretti, who had been shot multiple times, including in the back. “It felt like they were treating him like some trophy instead of a person.”
Carlson credited her community spirit in helping her stay calm during those terrifying moments. “Without the support of everyone around me, I might not have stayed as long as I did,” she stated. “We all have these moments where we have to make decisions to be brave.”
Her video sparked widespread outrage, ultimately putting pressure on the Trump administration. The White House had to address the backlash over Pretti’s death and the narrative that he provoked his own demise by legally carrying a firearm.
By the following Tuesday, President Trump hinted at efforts to “de-escalate” tensions in Minneapolis, amidst the growing fallout. After the shooting, Carlson provided a sworn statement about what she witnessed but felt uncertain about the federal investigation into Pretti’s death.
She expressed limited confidence in federal authorities but remained hopeful about local representatives seeking justice. “I trust those who are trying to do the right thing,” she said.
Over recent years, such incidents have ignited national conversation about immigration enforcement and community safety. A report from the Justice in Mexico project revealed that between 2015 and 2020, nearly 89% of individuals killed by law enforcement in high-conflict areas were unarmed. These events have led many to question the practices of federal law enforcement agencies.
In light of ongoing discussions about police violence and community involvement, Carlson’s experience illustrates a crucial reminder of the power of documenting the truth. Her actions not only held authorities accountable but also reinforced how vital community solidarity can be in troubling times.
[For more on the discussion around immigration enforcement, you can visit the American Civil Liberties Union for insights and updates.]
