Business and tech leaders react to ICE killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis

Federal immigration officers shot and killed Alex Pretti, 37, in Minneapolis on Saturday — the second fatal shooting of a US citizen by ICE in the city this month, Businessinsider reported. The killing drew sharp responses from business and tech leaders and renewed street protests.

More than 60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies signed a letter from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce calling for an "immediate de-escalation of tensions" and urging "state, local, and federal leaders to work together to find real solutions." Hedge-fund billionaire Bill Ackman posted that it was "time to take the temperature down before more lives are lost," and later blamed Minnesota's state government.

Other tech and business figures reacted online: Reid Hoffman reposted criticism of ICE and wrote, "It's time for all Americans to do so," James Dyett wrote, "There is far more outrage from tech leaders over a wealth tax than masked ICE agents terrorizing communities and executing civilians in the streets," and Google DeepMind chief scientist Jeff Dean called the video circulating of the shooting "absolutely shameful." Accounts and official statements conflict.

Key Topics

Business, Alex Pretti, Ice, Minneapolis, Operation Metro Surge, Bill Ackman