Eva Longoria has recently shared a poignant message with her followers in the wake of the political unrest and public mourning following the tragic shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Pretti, 37, was fatally shot during an encounter with Border Patrol officers on January 24, an incident that has sparked widespread demonstrations and anger.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Pretti approached agents carrying a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun, leading to an attempt by officers to disarm him. However, officials assert that he “violently persisted,” which resulted in an officer discharging their weapon. This explanation has been contested by state officials, as emerging video evidence suggests Pretti was holding a phone, not a weapon, during the moments before the shooting. Newsweek has sought comments on this matter from the White House and ICE’s press office.
In response to the situation, the White House press secretary condemned the “dangerous rhetoric” surrounding immigration enforcement, attributing ongoing tensions to the encouragement of unlawful actions by some elected officials. This incident follows another deadly encounter involving ICE in Minnesota, where 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good also lost her life.
Longoria, a 50-year-old actress and dedicated advocate for Latino rights, took to Instagram to express her solidarity with those affected by this crisis. She acknowledged the pervasive injustices and fears that her community is facing, commenting on the destabilizing nature of the recent shootings, including Pretti’s and Good’s. She cited a troubling pattern of violence that has claimed other lives as well, including that of 5-year-old Liam Ramos, who was detained by ICE.
“We are going through a really tough time right now as a country, and my community especially has been facing a lot,” Longoria emphasized. She encouraged her followers to take action by urging their senators to oppose DHS funding, particularly pushing efforts to ensure ICE is held accountable. Longoria expressed that hardships can often reveal our true character, offering words of love and support to those struggling.
Additionally, she shared materials promoting a nationwide shutdown arranged for January 30, which includes a call-to-action for her community to contact their senators and advocate for phasing out DHS funding. The House recently passed a $1.2 trillion spending package encompassing substantial funding for the DHS, which includes nearly $10 billion earmarked for ICE.
Pretti’s death has intensified opposition to this funding bill, highlighting the pressing need for systems that promote accountability and justice. The Senate will require bipartisan support to pass the legislation, underlining the urgency of the moment as the risk of a government shutdown looms. Longoria’s message resonates with a call for unity and action, encouraging her followers to advocate for change during these critical times.