An undated handout image obtained by Reuters on January 25, 2026 of Alex Preti, who was shot and killed while trying to be detained by U.S. immigration officials in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | Via Reuters
Leading business leaders in Minnesota called for an “immediate de-escalation” on Sunday after federal immigration agents shot and killed American citizen Alex Preti in Minneapolis.
More than 60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies signed a letter urging “state, local, and federal authorities to work together to find real solutions.” The companies said recent unrest in Minnesota caused “widespread disruption and tragic loss of life.”
Signatories to the letter released by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce include: target CEO Michael Fidelke. William Brown, Chairman and CEO, 3M; Brian Sykes, chairman and CEO of food giant Cargill. and CEO Stephen Hemsley. united health.
“During this difficult time for our communities, we call for peace and focused collaboration among local, state, and federal leaders to achieve quick and lasting solutions so that families, businesses, employees, and communities across Minnesota can resume their efforts to build a bright and prosperous future,” the letter reads.
Other signees include the Minnesota Vikings, Mayo Clinic; general millsBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota; hormel, medtronicU.S. Bancorp, and Xcel Energy.
The letter does not specifically name President Donald Trump or other political leaders involved in the situation in Minnesota. Government officials across the country have been largely reluctant to comment publicly on political issues throughout President Trump’s second term.
However, it added, “Representatives from Minnesota’s business community are working behind the scenes every day with federal, state and local officials to advance real solutions.”
“These efforts include close communication with the Governor, the White House, the Vice President, and local mayors. There are ways we can come together to advance progress,” the letter said.
According to the state government, Minnesota is home to 17 Fortune 500 companies. The state ranks No. 5 in concentration per capita on the Fortune 500.
The letter arrived a day after federal agents shot and killed Pretty, 37, an intensive care unit nurse in Minneapolis.
The Trump administration rushed federal law enforcement to the city to investigate immigration crackdowns and allegations of widespread welfare fraud in the state.
Preti’s killing is the latest incident in a tense standoff between Minnesota authorities and federal immigration authorities that has sparked regional unrest. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers shot and killed American citizen Renee Nicole Goode earlier this month.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) has repeatedly called on the Trump administration to withdraw federal law enforcement from the state. The administration has resisted those calls, accusing the state’s Democratic leadership of not supporting the state’s efforts.
“President Trump, we can end this today,” Walz said at a news conference Sunday. “Bring these people back and provide humane, focused and effective immigration controls. We need all of our help to do that.”
Meanwhile, Gregory Bovino, commander of Border Patrol operations in Minnesota, further stepped up federal action.
“Despite yesterday’s tragedy, our eighth immigration mission continues unabated here in Minneapolis, which could have been prevented by people making better choices, politicians, journalists, anarchists and would-be rioters,” Bovino said.
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