Colbert Critiques ICE Following Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis
Late-night host Stephen Colbert expressed his outrage over the shooting death of Alex Preti by a federal agent in Minneapolis, commenting, “Damn Ice.” During a segment on Monday’s “The Tonight Show,” Colbert condemned ICE and the Trump administration, suggesting that the footage of the shooting stands in stark contrast to the official governmental narrative about Border Patrol actions.
Amid a major winter storm affecting a vast part of the country, Colbert remarked on how freezing temperatures were impacting New York City. Addressing the audience, he thanked them for braving the cold and then added, “I think we can all agree, f—ICE,” which drew cheers from the crowd.
Colbert’s Allegations of Victim-Blaming
Colbert highlighted a pattern, mentioning how the administration seemed quick to label Preti, like others before him, as a “domestic terrorist.” He refuted these claims, pointing to analysis from well-known media outlets like the New York Times, which contradicted the government’s version of events.
“Once again, officials were swift to shame the victims,” he said, noting that various reputable sources had cast doubt on the government’s narrative surrounding both Preti’s and another recent shooting involving ICE.
Colbert wasn’t alone in his criticism. On “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” Kimmel expressed his shock over the incident, noting that it deeply affected him as he discussed it on air, even crying during the segment.
Concerns Surrounding Immigration Practices
Kimmel voiced broader concerns about the treatment of individuals during immigration raids. “Children and families are being tear-gassed and separated,” he remarked, labeling the agents involved as “thugs” who were acting in a despicable manner, suggesting their actions were unconscionable and infuriating to witness.
He further challenged the legitimacy of the Trump administration’s claims regarding the victims. “They’re saying that the Honda SUV driven by Renee Good was ‘weaponized,’” he said, while asserting that the evidence from the videos disputes such claims.
Investigations Underway
Preti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was fatally shot during an immigration raid aimed at another individual with a criminal record. According to reports, Preti allegedly approached the agents while armed and was said to have resisted efforts to disarm him. Video footage suggests he was merely trying to intervene in a confrontation involving law enforcement and a female protester.
State officials confirmed that Preti possessed a lawful carry permit. Homeland Security is now probing whether the Border Patrol agents believed they were under fire when they shot him. Some Republican representatives are also calling for investigations to clarify the circumstances surrounding Preti’s death, in light of the early messaging from the administration suggesting self-defense.
