Widespread demonstrations erupted across California on Saturday as activists and political leaders responded to a series of fatal shootings involving federal immigration officers in both Los Angeles and Minneapolis. The protests, which drew hundreds to the streets of downtown Los Angeles, were sparked by the deaths of three individuals—Keith Porter in Los Angeles, and Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis—all killed during encounters with ICE agents and Border Patrol officers this month.
The most recent incident occurred in Minneapolis, where 37-year-old Alex Pretti was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol agent, marking the second fatal shooting in that city involving federal immigration authorities in just a few weeks. The earlier Minneapolis shooting claimed the life of Renee Good, while in Los Angeles, Keith Porter died in a separate encounter with ICE agents. These three deaths have intensified national debate over federal immigration enforcement tactics and the controversial deployment of armed agents in American cities.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a forceful statement Saturday morning condemning the federal actions and calling for immediate removal of militarized forces from urban areas. "This morning we learned of yet another tragic shooting in Minneapolis at the hands of federal agents. This violence has to stop and the president must remove these armed, federal forces from Minneapolis and other American cities," Bass declared.
The mayor emphasized her participation in a federal court action aimed at halting what she described as the Trump administration's "unconstitutional and unlawful deployment of federal agents in the Twin Cities." Bass explained that Los Angeles had joined an amicus brief supporting Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul's lawsuit to terminate the militarized presence in their communities.
"We must not allow fear and force to define our cities, or for the federal government to turn them into war zones," Bass continued. "Operation Metro Surge, the federal government's militarized crackdown that has claimed innocent lives and terrorized countless families, is unacceptable."
The mayor concluded her statement with a firm commitment to constitutional protections: "Los Angeles stands firmly with Minneapolis and St. Paul and with every city defending our citizens' civil rights and civil liberties. We will oppose every attempt to silence our communities, terrorize our neighborhoods, and undermine the Constitution's protections. We will not allow it. We will resist it."
California Governor Gavin Newsom also voiced strong criticism through social media, delivering a series of demands directed at federal immigration authorities. "No new funding. Kristi Noem must RESIGN. Greg Bovino must be FIRED," Newsom posted on X, referring to the Secretary of Homeland Security and a Border Patrol official respectively.
The governor's message continued with calls to "Suspend the LAWLESS mass deportation raids nationwide NOW—ICE is no longer just deporting dangerous criminals. Send the border patrol back to the border. End the militarization of ICE + the sick racial profiling. End the perverse cash incentives that are bounties to perpetrate Trump's cruel agenda."
Newsom further demanded comprehensive reforms: "Require thorough, real background checks for everyone, and 2+ years of training requirements before even setting foot in the field. INVESTIGATE and PROSECUTE every single federal agent who is breaking the law."
In response to these incidents, community organizers mobilized a peaceful demonstration that began at 4 p.m. Saturday at Mariachi Plaza near Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles. Approximately 500 participants gathered initially before marching to the Federal Building, where they joined additional protesters at 6 p.m. for a larger rally.
The Los Angeles Police Department monitored the situation closely, with Officer Rosario Cervantes telling reporters that the department had deployed sufficient personnel to manage any potential developments. The demonstration remained peaceful throughout the evening, with participants carrying signs and chanting slogans demanding accountability and an end to what they termed federal overreach.
The political divide over the issue was evident in reactions from local Republican leadership. The Los Angeles County Republican Party urged caution and warned against premature conclusions in what they predicted would become another highly contentious case.
"In the aftermath of any officer involved shooting, it's important to figure out what happened, which often is not possible to determine immediately," a party spokesperson stated, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation before assigning blame.
The controversy centers on Operation Metro Surge, a federal initiative that has deployed increased numbers of immigration enforcement agents to major metropolitan areas. Critics argue the operation has transformed community policing into militarized interventions, creating an atmosphere of fear among immigrant communities and resulting in tragic fatalities.
Legal challenges to the federal deployment have been mounting, with multiple cities joining litigation efforts. The amicus brief supported by Los Angeles represents a growing coalition of municipal governments pushing back against what they characterize as unconstitutional federal interference in local law enforcement matters.
The shootings have reignited debate over the appropriate role of federal immigration enforcement in American cities, particularly regarding the use of deadly force and the deployment of military-style tactics in civilian communities. Activists point to the three recent deaths as evidence of systemic problems within current immigration enforcement strategies.
Community leaders in Los Angeles emphasized that Saturday's protest was part of a broader national movement demanding transparency, accountability, and fundamental reform of immigration enforcement practices. They called for immediate policy changes, including enhanced training requirements, stricter use-of-force protocols, and greater community oversight of federal agents operating within city limits.
As evening fell on Los Angeles, protesters continued their demonstration outside the Federal Building, vowing to maintain pressure on federal authorities until substantive changes are implemented. The event concluded without major incidents, though organizers pledged additional actions in the coming weeks.
The situation remains fluid as investigations into the three shootings continue, with federal officials offering few details about the circumstances surrounding each incident. Local leaders have demanded full transparency and expedited release of information to the public.
The convergence of local outrage, political opposition, and legal challenges suggests a protracted conflict between federal immigration enforcement priorities and the autonomy of major American cities. As similar protests emerge nationwide, the debate over the balance between border security and civil liberties shows no signs of resolution.