Minneapolis Woman Recalls Traumatic Encounter with Federal Agents Amid Immigration Protests

Fri Mar 27 2026 01:06:33 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Georgia Savageford shares her haunting experience of witnessing the fatal shooting of activist Alex Pretti by federal officers during an immigration enforcement action, highlighting calls for legal action against alleged use of excessive force by authorities.

At a recent news conference, Georgia Savageford, a Minneapolis woman who witnessed the shooting of activist Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers, recounted her traumatic experience and the escalating tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Savageford described how she was physically restrained and reported severe mistreatment while in custody, calling attention to alleged excessive force used against protesters. Civil rights attorney John Burris discussed the possibility of class-action lawsuits to address police misconduct in this context.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minneapolis woman recounts her traumatic experience with federal immigration agents amid rising tensions related to enforcement actions in Minnesota. Georgia Savageford, also known as Wynnie, was present during the arrest of Alex Pretti in January and described witnessing Pretti being shot by agents. ''That day has changed me forever,'' Savageford noted. ''The trauma will haunt me for the rest of my life, and I will never be the same.''

Savageford had been legally observing federal officers since the shooting death of another activist, Renee Good, by an ICE officer earlier in January. On January 24, during another enforcement action, Savageford reported being physically assaulted by agents who dragged her to the ground and cuffed her tightly, resulting in nerve damage.

She recounted being placed in an officer's vehicle and witnessing Pretti's shooting, expressing her fear for her own life as she pleaded with the agents. After being held for 12 hours without adequate access to basic needs like food and water, she was released without charges.

At the news conference, Savageford called for accountability, supported by civil rights attorney John Burris, who is leading efforts for potential class-action lawsuits against the government. Burris mentioned filing complaints on behalf of Savageford and others as the first step towards legal action in the face of alleged excessive force used against activists and observers.

“I did not know him, but I knew he had my back,” Savageford said of Pretti, reflecting on the bonds formed in their shared fight for justice.