At the Calvary Baptist Church in Minneapolis, the doors swung open and shut as locals sought refuge from the biting cold on Sunday.
The 140-year-old building sits just blocks away from where Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, was shot dead by federal immigration agents during a confrontation on Saturday morning.
In the wake of the shooting, which marked the second time in less than a month that a US citizen has been killed by agents in the city, the church has become what locals describe as a haven from the unrest and uncertainty outside.
Yesterday, I fell apart, announced Ann Hotz, a church staff member, as she handed out coffee and snacks to those mourning Pretti's death. Today I'm here to stand with my community and help our neighbours as they remember Alex and mourn him. Hotz added, But I do have to say, the helpers are getting really tired. This is exhausting, and so we need there to be a change.
Dean Caldwell-Tautges, church administrator, asserted, This is what America is now, commenting on the recent actions of federal agents. Videos of both shootings had sparked protests against the heightened federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, prompting concerns over public safety and community relations.
Following the tragic incidents, hundreds gathered to honor Pretti's life and protest the immigration operations that led to such violence. Signs declaring, stop killing us echoed the community's call for change and accountability.
The atmosphere is one of uncertainty as Governor Tim Walz and other state officials implore the federal government to pull agents from the region before further tragedy unfolds.
