Triangle demonstrations protest Minnesota ICE killings in national walkout

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Hundreds across the Triangle participated in a nationwide walkout as the Justice Department opened an investigation into the killing of Alex Pretti. Demonstrators in the Bull City were passionately pleading for justice, and it even left some emotional.

The sign that Judie Adams held bore her feelings. She attended the protest in support of Minnesota residents after watching the video of federal agents shooting and killing Pretti.

"I'm a nurse, and so the Pretti killing was personal to me. I'm also a lesbian, so these two people could have been me," said Judie Adams. "That could be me. I'm here protesting, and fortunately, ICE isn't here right now."

Victor Urquiza is one of the organizers of the walkout.

"As a Latino seeing my people be terrorized, seeing my people be afraid to get groceries, and anyone who has any consciousness is saying that I'm wrong," he said.

Chopper 11 flew over demonstrators as they marched through the streets of downtown Durham. Demonstrations stretched across the Triangle and outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office in Cary.

Some students on the campuses of NC State University and UNC-Chapel Hill also organized.

"Everything good we have started with student movements. I think now I'm one of those students," said UNC-Chapel Hill student Hannah Hayes. "I'm really scared, but I think if we can put an end to it at the beginning, before it continues to progress, is what we need to do."

The agents involved in shooting Pretti are on administrative leave. President Donald Trump commented on his Truth Social account by calling Pretti an agitator and insurrectionist. He described a video showing Pretti kicking a vehicle used by ICE agents in a previous encounter as a display of abuse and anger.

Pretti also spat at and cursed at federal agents.

North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis called for an investigation into Pretti's death and the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

"I was surprised in a really positive way, and I'm proud of him for doing that. I wrote him and told him that," said Adams.