Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis, Melissa Morales, Founder and President of Somos Votantes, released the following statement:

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"Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse who dedicated his life to caring for others, was killed by federal agents in broad daylight on a Minneapolis street – shot multiple times while trying to help fellow protesters who had been pushed to the ground. This is the second fatal shooting in Minneapolis in less than three weeks. What we are witnessing is unconscionable. 

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Somos continues to stand with Minnesota's leaders calling for these federal agents to leave the state immediately. We stand with the thousands who marched in subzero temperatures demanding justice. And we call on Congress to take immediate action and rein in Trump's violent immigration enforcement efforts before what happened in Minneapolis happens again. Senators have an obligation to reject a DHS budget that allows ICE to continue operating unchecked and without accountability. There is no justification for this campaign of violence, and our hearts are with Alex Pretti's family and all those grieving this tragic loss."

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About Somos Votantes

Somos Votantes is a Latino-led, Latino-focused organization that runs some of the largest independent Latino civic and voter engagement programs in the country. We envision a nation where hardworking Latinos have the opportunities and tools to fully participate in our democracy. Somos Votantes seeks to empower hardworking Latinos in shaping the future of our democracy, primarily through non-partisan civic engagement programs, by increasing our participation in elections and advocating for progressive policies.Visit https://www.somosvotantes.com/ for more information on this program and other projects, and follow the organization on Instagram, Facebook, and X.