Minnesota prosecutors have obtained previously withheld evidence in the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both U.S. citizens, during protests against federal immigration enforcement earlier this year. The evidence, including body-camera footage, witness statements, and Good’s damaged vehicle, was turned over by the Trump administration after six months of negotiations and legal disputes.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
Federal officials, including the FBI and ICE, provided the evidence to Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty following discussions and a lawsuit. The material pertains to three shootings: the deaths of Good and Pretti, as well as the wounding of Venezuelan national Julio Sosa-Celis. Moriarty’s office has already charged an ICE agent, Christian Castro, in the Sosa-Celis case but has not yet decided whether to bring charges in the other two shootings.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Background of the Shootings
- Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed in her car on January 7 while leaving an anti-immigration enforcement protest in Minneapolis.
- Alex Pretti was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents on January 24 during street protests.
- Julio Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan citizen, was shot in the leg by an ICE agent on January 14 after the agent allegedly fired through a wall.
Legal and Political Context
The evidence handover follows months of jurisdictional disputes between federal and local authorities. Moriarty thanked federal officials for their cooperation, emphasizing the need for transparency and public trust. The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis did not comment on the matter.
Investigative Status
Moriarty’s office is still reviewing the evidence in the Good and Pretti cases. The charges against Castro include second-degree assault and falsely reporting a crime, marking the first criminal case against a federal agent in these incidents.
Public and Political Reactions
The shootings sparked nationwide outrage and calls for stricter oversight of immigration enforcement. Protests in Minnesota and other states highlighted concerns over the use of force by federal agents during deportation operations.