Minnesota’s business community has remained largely silent over President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in the state despite widespread backlash, but the latest shooting death by federal agents has sparked a plea for peace.
In a open letter Sunday from the Minnesota Chamber of CommerceMore than 60 CEOs said the business community has been working behind the scenes with officials for several weeks. This includes Governor Tim Walz, the White House, Vice President JD Vance and local mayors.
“With yesterday’s tragic news, we call for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions,” the statement added.
The statement notably avoided criticism and stopped short of calling on immigration officials to leave the city, which Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other elected officials have done.
This is despite Saturday’s shooting, the third in the state this month, and the second fatal. It also followed days of reports that Minnesota immigration agents were detaining young children, arresting U.S. citizens and forcing their way into homes without a court warrant.
The video evidence also contradicts the Trump administration’s claim that Alex Pretti, who was a nurse at a veterans hospital, threatened the Border Patrol before being shot.
“At this difficult time for our community, we call for peace and focused cooperation among local, state and federal leaders to achieve a quick and lasting solution that allows Minnesota families, businesses, our employees and communities to get back to work building a bright and prosperous future,” the Chamber of Commerce letter added.
It was signed by many companies and leaders, including bosses of Fortune 500 Companies such as 3M, Best Buy, General Mills, Land O’Lakes, Target, UnitedHealth, US Bancorp, Xcel Energy and Hormel.
Target in particular has be subject to scrutiny during the immigration crackdown as a major Minnesota business.
ICE has arrested employees working at the retail giant’s stores, and community activists are demanding that Target take a stand against the raids.
Meanwhile, technology leaders from Silicon Valley speaks out and more clearly take sides against the Trump administration.
Meta’s chief AI scientist, Yann LeCunsimply posted “Murderers” while reacting to the images of the shooting.
Kath Korevecproduct director at Google Labs, wrote: “This video is too painful to watch, and yet we have to burn it into our memories. ‘They had already disarmed him’ is the key fact here. Then they executed him. It’s shameful. No matter what side you’re on, what happened today is unacceptable.”
In a follow-up articleshe warned, “it’s only a matter of time before they appear in force here in the Bay Area.”
