Police shut down the block to traffic as supporters and mourners filled the street, holding candles that glowed alongside white Christmas lights strung through nearby trees. Many participants brought flowers to place at a growing memorial commemorating Pretti’s life.

Pretti, an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, was remembered by many in the crowd as a compassionate caregiver and community member. The event was organised by the nurse’s union, National Nurses United, and drew a large presence of fellow health-care professionals.

The atmosphere during the vigil shifted between quiet reflection and moments of collective expression, punctuated by musical performances — including a brass band and a bagpiper — before chants such as “ICE out!” rose from the crowd.

Pretti’s death has ignited national debate and protest over the use of force by federal agents. Videos circulating online show Pretti being forcibly tackled to the ground by federal officers during clashes in Minneapolis earlier this month; at times in the footage, an object resembling a handgun appears tucked in his waistband, but there is no clear evidence in the publicly shared videos of him reaching for or brandishing it before he was shot.

The killing has prompted widespread vigils and demonstrations in cities across the U.S., as communities demand accountability and changes in immigration enforcement practices.