Manitoba’s leader has once again contacted the Minnesota governor in the wake of the recent fatal shooting of an American citizen by federal immigration authorities, urging President Donald Trump to halt the use of force. Wab Kinew expressed solidarity with Governor Tim Walz and condemned the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse who was killed by immigration officers in Minneapolis. Kinew emphasized the importance of unity in denouncing such violence, regardless of political affiliations.
Following the incident, Trump administration officials defended the shooting, claiming it was done in self-defense, despite eyewitness videos suggesting otherwise. Kinew called for moral clarity from American conservatives, urging Trump to cease the killing of American citizens as a misguided approach to immigration issues.
Regarding potential U.S. tariffs, Kinew emphasized the province’s commitment to trade with the U.S., affirming the need to maintain integrity while addressing trade negotiations. The discussions came in light of Trump’s threat to impose a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if Canada pursues a trade deal with China, a move Prime Minister Mark Carney clarified the country is not currently seeking.
The tragic death of Alex Pretti follows the killing of Renee Good, another victim of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis. The community has been rocked by these events, leading to increased protests against the federal immigration crackdown. Kinew had previously offered support to Minnesota after the death of Renee Good and reiterated Manitoba’s willingness to assist their neighboring state during these challenging times.