The vigil, held near the Brown County Historical Society Museum, began shortly after 7 p.m.

Despite the bitter cold, participants remained for the duration of the vigil, holding candles that flickered in the subzero air. The gathering offered residents a chance to reflect, show solidarity, and make a visible statement about grief, public safety, and immigration enforcement.

Participants stood on all four corners of the intersection holding candles, and lights as traffic passed through downtown New Ulm. The gathering was organized by community members to honor Pretti’s life, express grief, and raise concerns about federal immigration enforcement and public safety. Organizers said similar gatherings were taking place elsewhere in Minnesota.

“Our state is hurting so much, and we can’t take it anymore,” said Lori Sellner, one of the attendees. “We’re losing innocent citizens who are just trying to help people and exercise their constitutional rights. That could have been any of us.”

Vigil participants line the sidewalk along Broadway Street in New Ulm, facing passing traffic with candles in hand during Saturday night’s gathering for Alex Pretti Photo by Amy Zents

Sarah Schneider, a New Ulm resident who moved to the area in 2021, highlighted the importance of public mourning.

“Human life is valuable,” Schneider said. “A person in our own state was killed in the street, and we should all be able to agree that’s horrific. I don’t want to live in a country that can’t pause and mourn together.”

Theresa Keaveny, one of the organizers, emphasized that the vigil was also intended to honor others affected by recent immigration enforcement actions.

“We want to honor his life and those who have been killed,” Keaveny said. “We want a fair determination and a fair investigation, but we’re not going to get that if federal authorities block local and state involvement.”

Keaveny also criticized the presence and actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota, saying it has created widespread fear.

A sign reading “NO Kings” rests near the curb as vigil attendees stand quietly in the cold, reflecting on the shooting and its broader impact on Minnesota communities. Photo by Amy Zents

“The ICE presence in Minnesota affects us all,” she said. “It’s in rural areas, it’s hurting farmers, and it’s hurting families. We know of people who are afraid to go to school, work, or even church. That’s not keeping people safe.”

Keaveny said the vigil also aimed to send a message to state legislators, calling for accountability and oversight.

“Safety is a huge concern,” she said. “This isn’t just a Minneapolis problem. Republican legislators need to speak up rather than stand by while these operations continue. Thousands of Minnesotans have peacefully protested, and yet ICE continues actions that threaten public safety.”

Participants hold candles at the corner of Center and Broadway in New Ulm during Saturday night’s vigil for Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis nurse fatally shot by a federal immigration agent earlier that day. Photo by Amy Zents