Shocking shots in the USA: Leftists demand immediate travel warning!

Shocking shots in the USA: Leftists demand immediate travel warning!

The fatal incident during an operation by the US immigration agency ICE in Minneapolis has sparked a wave of outrage and discussion. One person was shot, which sparked numerous protests against the US government's deportation raids. Janis Ehling, Federal Managing Director of the Left, has now spoken out in favor of a travel warning for the USA. He called the news from Minneapolis “shocking” and criticized ICE as a danger to people that is linked to structural violence. According to Ehling, there is an urgent need to formulate specific references to racist violence and the risks posed by ICE operations. He calls not only for an official travel warning, but also for an expansion of safety instructions for travelers to the USA to address potential dangers. The Foreign Office has meanwhile stated that travel and safety advice is being continuously evaluated. However, an official statement stated that the federal government cannot interfere in the domestic affairs of its partner countries, such as Daily Mirror reported.

The late Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, dies in the operation, described as part of the largest immigration operation in US history. This series of operations, known as “Operation Metro Surge,” mobilized over 2,000 federal agents and has sparked widespread protests across the United States in recent weeks. Authorities are reportedly portraying the incident as self-defense, as Pretti was allegedly armed with a semi-automatic pistol. But his family vehemently contradicts this account and accuses the US government of shooting their son for no legitimate reason. Verified video shows Pretti holding a cellphone and trying to help other protesters before he was wrestled to the ground. An officer apparently took a gun from him before he was shot in the back by another officer.

Political reactions and social tensions

After the incident, the situation escalated in Minneapolis, where demonstrators protested against ICE's actions in recent months. Tensions are high in the city, especially after Pretti's parents portrayed the information spread by the government as "vile lies." These protests are part of a broader debate about asylum policy in the USA and the legal framework for illegal immigrants. Reporting is increasingly focusing on the fears and violent conflicts, rather than on the legal aspects associated with illegal immigration. According to the Pew Research Center, only 35.8% of asylum applications were accepted in 2024, highlighting the precarious situation of many immigrants who often live in the United States without legal status for economic reasons.

The debate about the ICE operations also highlights deeper social fissures. The author of one report describes his personal experience at the American embassy when he had to provide evidence of the authenticity of his marriage in order to receive a visa. He describes strict controls on US military bases in Germany that are reminiscent of the rigorous practices of ICE. This problem is exacerbated by the lack of cooperation between local police forces and ICE in various states. These domestic tensions could also potentially have political consequences, particularly if Democrats in the US Congress threaten to block the budget bill if funding is allocated to the Department of Homeland Security.

The ongoing protests are trying to focus attention on much-needed migration policy reform as pressure grows on the US government, particularly over upcoming financial decisions to be made on January 30 to avoid a partial shutdown.