By Trendsetter Tribune 
Dozens of major Minnesota-based companies are speaking out after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, by federal agents in Minneapolis—marking a rare and public rupture between the business community and federal immigration enforcement.
In an open letter released Sunday by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, more than 60 CEOs warned that recent federal actions have caused “widespread disruption” across the state and led to the “tragic loss of life.” The group called for an immediate de-escalation and urged local, state, and federal leaders to work together on solutions that restore stability and trust.
The shooting of Pretti, which occurred just two weeks after another fatal incident involving federal agents in the state, has intensified protests and scrutiny. While federal officials initially claimed Pretti posed a violent threat, videos and witness accounts have sharply challenged that narrative, deepening public skepticism.
Signatories to the letter include corporate giants like Target, Best Buy, UnitedHealth Group, General Mills, Mayo Clinic, and major professional sports organizations such as the Minnesota Vikings, Timberwolves, and Twins. Together, they emphasized their long-term commitment to Minnesota while making clear that current conditions are alienating employees, communities, and investors.
The backlash has extended beyond the state. Prominent tech and business leaders nationally condemned the incident online, amplifying pressure on the administration as Minnesota’s governor and labor unions also demanded accountability.
As investigations continue, the unusually unified response from Minnesota’s business leadership underscores how far-reaching the fallout has become—turning a local tragedy into a broader test of federal enforcement tactics, public trust, and economic confidence.