AFL CIO Day of Democracy March

Minnesota AFL-CIO march from Stewart Park to the Nicollet Ave memorial for Alex Pretti, February 16, 2026

February 16, 2026 — Minneapolis, MN

On February 16, 2026, the Minnesota AFL-CIO organized a "Day of Democracy" rally and march through Minneapolis, drawing protesters who demanded accountability for killings carried out by federal agents during the preceding two months. The march began at Stewart Park and ended at the memorial for Alex Pretti on Nicollet Avenue.

Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was shot and killed by border patrol agents on January 24, 2026, during Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale federal immigration enforcement action across the Twin Cities. Bystander video circulated widely after the shooting and contradicted portions of the initial federal account: it showed agents removing a weapon from Pretti before the shots were fired, meaning he was unarmed at the moment he was killed. No one had been charged or held responsible for his death by the time this march took place.

The February 16 march was part of a sustained period of protest that began in the days immediately following Pretti's death. Earlier demonstrations had included direct confrontations with law enforcement and nightly gatherings near the site of the shooting. The AFL-CIO's involvement marked a shift in the organizing structure, bringing labor institutions formally into a movement that had until then been driven largely by community groups and immigration advocates.

Operation Metro Surge and the question of federal enforcement authority in Minneapolis remained unresolved at the time of the march, with protesters calling for ICE to leave the city and for the release of further evidence related to the Pretti shooting.

Protesters march past posters of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis.
February 16, 2026 — Today in Minneapolis, those demanding justice for everyone shot and/or killed by federal agents over the last 2 months, protesters marched from Stewart Park to the memorial of Alex Pretti. On January 24, 2026, federal immigration agents fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Pretti during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis. Pretti, an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was killed during an encounter connected to large-scale federal immigration enforcement operations taking place across the Twin Cities. Video recorded by bystanders and witnesses at the scene quickly circulated online and contradicted portions of the initial federal account of the shooting, leading to public outrage and demands for the release of additional evidence. Video showed that Pretti was armed and was shot and killed an after he was disarmed. Pretti’s death sparked days of protests, marches, and confrontations with law enforcement in Minneapolis as demonstrators condemned the federal operation and called for accountability. The shooting became a major flashpoint in ongoing national debates over immigration enforcement, federal policing powers, and the use of force during domestic operations. As of this writing, no one has been held responsible for the killing. ior to shots being fired. The “Day Out For Democracy” rally and march was organized by Minnesota AFL-CIO.
Protesters march in Minneapolis holding signs, including one that reads "WARM HANDS WARM HEARTS MELT ICE."
February 16, 2026 — Today in Minneapolis, those demanding justice for everyone shot and/or killed by federal agents over the last 2 months, protesters marched from Stewart Park to the memorial of Alex Pretti. Pretti was shot and killed by border patrol agents while he was unarmed on January 24, 2026. Video shows agents removing a gun from Pretti prior to shots being fired. The “Day Out For Democracy” rally and march was organized by Minnesota AFL-CIO.
Protesters in Minneapolis hold signs demanding ICE out of the city during a march for justice.
February 16, 2026 — Protesters gathered in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, for a "Day Out For Democracy" march organized by Minnesota AFL-CIO. The march, which began at Stewart Park, was held to demand justice for individuals killed by federal agents in recent months. The protest specifically honored Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed by border patrol agents on this date. Signs displayed at the event called for the removal of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from Minneapolis.
Protesters in Minneapolis hold signs, including one targeting Kristi Noem, during a rally organized by the Minnesota AFL-CIO.
February 16, 2026 — Protesters in Minneapolis hold signs during a "Day Out For Democracy" rally and march organized by the Minnesota AFL-CIO. The march proceeded from Stewart Park to the memorial of Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed by border patrol agents on January 24, 2026. The protest's messaging, including a sign targeting Kristi Noem, reflects broader concerns about immigration policies and federal law enforcement actions.
Protesters march in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, holding signs and flags demanding justice for Alex Pretti.
February 16, 2026 — Protesters marched through Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, from Stewart Park to the memorial of Alex Pretti. The march, organized by Minnesota AFL-CIO, demanded justice for individuals killed by federal agents in recent months. Alex Pretti was shot and killed by border patrol agents on January 24, 2026, while unarmed. Video evidence suggests agents removed a weapon from Pretti before the shooting occurred.
Protesters march through Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, holding banners that read "Honor the Dead" and "Day Out For Democracy."
February 16, 2026 — Protesters marched through Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, as part of the "Day Out For Democracy" rally. Organized by the Minnesota AFL-CIO, the marchers demanded justice for individuals killed by federal agents in recent months. The protest route began at Stewart Park and concluded at the memorial for Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed by border patrol agents on the same date. Video evidence indicates agents removed a weapon from Pretti before the shooting occurred.
A protest sign comparing Stephen Miller to a rectal polyp is displayed on a bicycle during a march in Minneapolis.
February 16, 2026 — A protest sign comparing former Trump administration official Stephen Miller to a rectal polyp is displayed on a bicycle during a march in Minneapolis. The sign reads, "THIS OLD HIPPIE WILL NAP WHEN MILLER IS IN JAIL!" and "like the rectal polyp he needs to be removed!". The march, organized by Minnesota AFL-CIO, protested actions by federal agents, including the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by border patrol agents on January 24, 2026. Video evidence suggests Pretti was unarmed when shot, and agents reportedly removed a gun from him prior to the incident.
A protest sign reading "EVERY PIG WILL HAVE THEIR SATURDAY" is held at a march in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.
February 16, 2026 — A protest sign with the text "EVERY PIG WILL HAVE THEIR SATURDAY" and an illustration of a pig's head on a human body, surrounded by flames, is held by a demonstrator. The sign was displayed during a march in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. The march, organized by Minnesota AFL-CIO, proceeded from Stewart Park to the memorial of Alex Pretti. Participants demanded justice for individuals killed by federal agents, referencing the death of Alex Pretti, who was unarmed when shot by border patrol agents. Video evidence later suggested agents removed a weapon from Pretti before the shooting, raising questions about the circumstances of his death and immigration enforcement practices.
Protesters in Minneapolis hold a sign for Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse shot by agents.
February 16, 2026 — Today in Minneapolis, those demanding justice for everyone shot and/or killed by federal agents over the last 2 months, protesters marched from Stewart Park to the memorial of Alex Pretti. Pretti was shot and killed by border patrol agents while he was unarmed on January 24, 2026. Video shows agents removing a gun from Pretti prior to shots being fired. The “Day of Democracy” rally and march was organized by Minnesota AFL-CIO.
DeWayne Davis speaks at a protest rally in Minneapolis.
February 16, 2026 — Today in Minneapolis, those demanding justice for everyone shot and/or killed by federal agents over the last 2 months, protesters marched from Stewart Park to the memorial of Alex Pretti. Pretti was shot and killed by border patrol agents while he was unarmed on January 24, 2026. Video shows agents removing a gun from Pretti prior to shots being fired. The “Day of Democracy” rally and march was organized by Minnesota AFL-CIO.

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