Phoenix protesters demand ICE stay out of the Valley

Man shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis

Another deadly immigration enforcement-related shooting in Minneapolis happened on January 24 and it sparked protests across the nation, including right here in the Valley.

PHOENIX - Another deadly immigration enforcement-related shooting in Minneapolis happened on January 24, and it sparked protests across the nation, including right here in the Valley.

At the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office north of McDowell Road and Central Avenue on Saturday night, large crowds marched toward downtown Phoenix. 

They gathered in solidarity with the people of Minneapolis and demanding ICE stay out of the Valley after the most recent deadly Border Patrol shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti.

The backstory:

Federal agents say Pretti was carrying a gun when he was killed. 

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Pretti violently resisted efforts to disarm him, but video appears to show they disarmed the man before shots were fired. This all comes after the previous fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good earlier this month.

What they're saying:

Pretti's family members released a statement, calling him a "kindhearted soul," saying his work as a nurse made him care about people, and he was upset over ICE agents in his home city.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stated, "The federal occupation of Minnesota long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement. It is a campaign of organized brutality against the people of our state. And today, that campaign claimed yet another life."

Reaction from Arizona came from both sides of the political aisle

Senator Ruben Gallego posted to social media, calling the shooting "murder" and says he will be voting to defund DHS.

"I've said it already, but to make it clear: I'm voting NO. Violent thugs have no place in our law enforcement agencies. When the people who are supposed to keep us safe are shooting Americans in cold blood, something is deeply wrong. I won't vote to fund murder in the name of law enforcement."

Representative and gubernatorial candidate Andy Biggs has a different take, saying local leaders like Gov. Walz will have "blood on their hands," calling for resistance to ICE. Biggs called on them to "get control of Minneapolis."

"Tim Walz and Jacob Frey have blood on their hands. Nobody wants to see injuries or fatalities — of citizens or law enforcement. That means citizens can't run over law enforcement with their vehicles or pull a gun on them. Walz and Frey must get control of Minneapolis."

What's next:

Arizona state leaders are bracing for immigration enforcement in Arizona. Attorney General Kris Mayes is asking the public to report potentially unlawful activity by federal personnel, including excessive force, unlawful searches, arrests, wrongful detentions, interference with voting or civil rights violations.

Arizona AG faces criticism over statement on 'Stand Your Ground' laws

Attorney General Kris Mayes is facing backlash from some Republicans after expressing concerns over federal agents wearing masks and not identifying themselves during raids.

The AG's office launched a website where people can anonymously submit pictures and videos.