MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — As the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown winds down, Minneapolis must determine how to handle the makeshift memorial sites for two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were fatally shot by federal agents last month.
Quickly, the locations of their deaths became places of solace, marked by piles of flowers, signs, artwork, and gatherings for candlelight vigils and musical performances.
These grieving spots mirror the community-driven memorial to George Floyd, who was murdered in 2020, a site that took years to officially recognize. Now, Minneapolis finds itself managing two more high-profile memorials.
A memorial for Good emerged within hours of her killing on January 7, while on the day Pretti was killed, the city was already witnessing protests, with makeshift tributes being constructed almost immediately.
Minnesota resident Karel Hoffmann expressed her outrage over the killings but emphasized the importance of the memorials for community solidarity. “This is so unfair—the trauma is too much. We’re all in this together, and I’m glad they have this here to unite us,” she shared.
The ongoing tribute has prompted logistical discussions within the city. Jess Olstad, a city spokesperson, confirmed that the priority is to provide a space for grieving while also ensuring emergency access. Discussions about the future of these memorials continue without a clear resolution on their permanence.
