Massive Protest in San Francisco Demands Justice after ICE Shooting

San Francisco Unites in Response to Federal Violence

In a profound display of solidarity, hundreds gathered at Embarcadero Plaza in San Francisco on January 24, 2026, to protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the tragic shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti in Minneapolis by a federal agent. Pretti, a 37-year-old American citizen and intensive care nurse, was killed in an incident captured on social media, prompting immediate outrage and urgency among community members far from the scene of the crime.

Outrage Fuels Protest

The demonstration was organized swiftly, illustrating the strong connection between activists and communities affected by federal immigration policies. Following the lead of protests in Minneapolis after the killing of Renee Nicole Good, participants in San Francisco voiced their condemnation of what they perceived as state violence exacerbated by current governmental policies. Protesters held signs stating, "ICE=Gestapo" and "Stop pretending your fascism is patriotism," highlighting their demands to abolish ICE and reassess broader immigration enforcement practices.

Voices of Concern: Community Perspectives

Voices from the crowd echoed a unified message of fear and frustration. Eleanor Brown, who tightly gripped a sign that read, "R.I.P. Alex Pretti," expressed how video footage of the incident had haunted her thoughts throughout the day. “No place is safe if we allow violence like this to go unchecked,” she warned, emphasizing that every citizen has a duty to advocate for those who may not have a voice amid escalating abuses of power.

A Call to Action

The event featured speeches from various local organizations, including Bay Resistance and the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Speakers urged attendees to mobilize and participate in local ICE response networks, emphasizing grassroots action as a necessary step toward fostering safe communities. “We will win if we stick together and never falter,” declared Anna from the pro-democracy group Indivisible, rallying the crowd with calls for decisive action against ICE and mass deportations.

Parallel Actions Across the Nation

San Francisco’s demonstration is part of a larger national outcry against federal immigration enforcement practices. Following Pretti’s killing, protesters in Minneapolis have also staged significant actions, shutting down schools and workplaces. Local activists emphasize that the struggle against federal authority is a shared burden, with events in one city reverberating across others. During the San Francisco protest, individuals expressed anguish not only for Pretti, but also for Good, whose earlier death at the hands of ICE agents had fueled growing unrest.

Critical Conversations on Civil Rights

Governor Gavin Newsom's public denunciation of the incident added weight to community voices. He called for the resignation of federal officials overseeing these actions, articulating a collective call to halt what participants labeled as “lawless” mass deportation raids. Newsom’s statements resonate with the despair felt in communities that see these events as indicative of a broader struggle for justice and civil rights.

The Future of Protest and Advocacy

As the crowd marched through the streets of San Francisco chanting “From Minneapolis to the Bay, ICE, ICE, go away,” the momentum built around issues of accountability, civic responsibility, and community safety. The urgent plea is for a future where federal overreach is challenged, fostering not only local safety but a more just society altogether.

By highlighting individual voices and consolidating community efforts, protests like these in San Francisco have the potential to amplify calls for action against ICE and incite change not just locally, but across the nation. As citizens reflect on these complexities, they become aware of their shared responsibility to confront systemic injustice and advocate for the rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.

In light of recent events, now is the time for active involvement in local community initiatives and awareness campaigns. The fight against injustice necessitates collective effort and vigilance. Join your local advocacy groups today to contribute to a more equitable future for all.