Former President Barack Obama delivered a powerful critique of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies on Sunday, following two deadly encounters involving federal agents in Minneapolis. In a statement disseminated via his X account, alongside former First Lady Michelle Obama, he denounced the "embarrassing, lawless and cruel tactics" of immigration officers, which he believes are undermining the nation's core values.
The incidents in question involve the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, both of whom were fatally shot by Border Patrol and ICE agents, respectively. Pretti, an intensive care nurse and legal gun owner, was killed during a protest against federal immigration operations. Video evidence suggests that Pretti was unarmed at the time he was shot, contradicting official claims of self-defense.
Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother, was shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross under contentious circumstances. The Trump administration has labeled both deceased as "domestic terrorists," a characterization Obama firmly disputes. Instead, he praises the victims for participating in peaceful protests and calls for accountability and lawful conduct from federal law enforcement.
Obama's statement comes at a time of heightened tension and widespread demonstrations against ICE's aggressive deportation tactics. He emphasizes the importance of federal agents operating within the bounds of the law and calls for constructive engagement with state and local authorities to de-escalate the situation. The former president's intervention is a stark reminder of the deep divisions over immigration policy and the use of force by government agencies.
