Sam Olson, ICE's St. Paul field office director, urged Twin Cities demonstrators to keep protests peaceful after two recent fatal shootings involving federal agents. Border Patrol officers fatally shot 37-year-old VA ICU nurse Alex Pretti in an incident DHS officials described as self-defense. Olson warned that surrounding or impeding officers can escalate tensions, while Pretti's family has rejected the official account. Investigations and public protests are ongoing.
ICE's Sam Olson Urges Calm After Two Fatal Federal-Agent Shootings in the Twin Cities
Protesters gather in front of the Minnesota State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 14 in St. Paul, Minn., in response to the death of Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer earlier this month.(AP Newsroom)
Sam Olson, the field office director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in St. Paul, urged demonstrators across the Twin Cities to keep protests peaceful after two recent fatal shootings involving federal agents that have heightened tensions in the region.
Speaking on "Fox & Friends Weekend," Olson said federal officers are generally comfortable being observed or filmed while they work, but he warned there is a clear boundary when bystanders begin to obstruct operations or enter what agents consider their "workspace." He said such confrontations can escalate situations and put both officers and members of the public at risk.
"When we're out there, we have no problem with the public watching what we do, filming what we do, talking to us while we do it, but there is that line when they start to impede and get in situations where, frankly, we don't want them to be — we can't have them be — kind of in our workspace. That's when we have issues," Olson said.
The comments came after a second fatal, federal agent-involved shooting over the weekend. Border Patrol officers shot and killed 37-year-old Veterans Affairs ICU nurse Alex Pretti; Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials described the agent's actions as self-defense. The Saturday incident was the second federal agent-involved death in Minnesota this month and has intensified protests and public scrutiny.
This undated photo provided by Michael Pretti shows Alex J. Pretti, the man who was shot by a federal officer in Minneapolis on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026.
Pretti's parents said they are "heartbroken but also very angry," and called the law enforcement account of the incident "sickening lies." Olson described the killing as "unfortunate" and reiterated that no officer sets out to use force, much less deadly force, but said confrontations with what he described as "agitators" or "vigilantes" who surround officers can lead to volatile outcomes.
Olson closed by urging demonstrators to remain peaceful, to avoid impeding law enforcement operations, and to use lawful channels to express grievances. He emphasized the need for calm while investigations proceed and for both community members and officers to take steps that reduce the risk of further violence.
What Comes Next
Local officials and federal authorities have said investigations into the shootings will continue. Community organizers and family members of the deceased have demanded transparency and answers, and protests are expected to continue as investigators review the incidents.
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