Political conversation surged across the United States after the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement fatally shot civilians in Minnesota, leaving millions of people angered by the law enforcement agency.
37 year-old Alex Pretti’s death came less than three weeks after 37-year-old Renee Good’s, and the way government officials handled the situation inflamed tension in millions of Americans.
After the incident, ICE released a statement of defense for their actions. “Violence against a government because of ideological reasons and for reasons to resist and to perpetuate violence. That is the definition of domestic terrorism,” said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
However, this attempted justification did not appropriately respond to the expectations of the enraged American people, and political protests sparked across the United States in turn; more than 1,000 events were planned throughout the country in light of the national coalition, “ICE Out for Good”.
Thousands of Minnesotan residents marched in -35°F wind chills to strike against the immigration raids. This massive general strike and economic shutdown occurred on Jan. 23 2026, leading to the closure of 700 businesses in protest against the federal ICE immigration enforcement.
Protests also extended into the Quad Cities, where in both Moline and Davenport, hundreds of individuals gathered to join the national “ICE Out for Good” movement. “I joined the hundreds of Quad City residents, including children, who stood on the corners of 53rd and Elmore, with hands wrapped in mittens, holding signs in the wind, protesting ICE and the murdering of Alex Pretti. It was so cold, but there was fire in the voices,” said Davenport protest attendee Katherine Pielak.
Many Pleasant Valley students feel strongly about ICE and their approach on governing immigration to promote national security. “More people have died in the past year in ICE custody than ever before, and I think that says something about their new methodology,” said junior Kalie Tessen. “People should always stand up for what they believe in, and especially for what is right. Civil disobedience and peaceful protesting is part of our country’s foundation.”
These local protests have sparked anger among Pleasant Valley students as well. Students have organized an ICE walkout, encouraging others to bring signs to the event in order to represent Pretti and Good. This event took place on Friday, Feb. 6, during sixth period.
A plentiful number of individuals believe that the recent demonstrations have lacked the discipline that made nonviolent resistance durable. Due to the recent protests having volatile crowd dynamics and significant property damage, the activism seemingly reflects disorganization rather than insightful and respectful protesting.
However, Pielak, amongst others, finds the initiatives of the protest imperative for an improved society. “If people in the state that borders us to the north are fighting for their lives, I feel I have a responsibility to do something,” said Pielak.
How ICE continues to handle immigration and border control laws will continue to reflect American society for a prolonged period of time. Until they are able to follow the ethical boundaries of deportation and investigations of transnational crimes that these protesters expect, it is probable that these demonstrations will continue to occur.
