The lawsuit argues that the fatal strike occurred without legal justification and that the victims—unarmed civilians—were offered no warning, no opportunity to surrender, and no chance to survive. According to the complaint, the operation was conducted without regard for established maritime interdiction protocols and the basic human rights of those on board.

“No family should have to bury a loved one because of reckless government violence,” said Julie Kent, President FL NOW. “The deaths of Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo are part of a broad pattern of state-sanctioned brutality against Black, Brown, immigrant, and Caribbean communities. We support the ACLU’s efforts to ensure these families receive truth, accountability, and justice.”

Florida NOW emphasizes that the rights to life and to due process apply to every person, regardless of nationality or immigration status. The organization condemns policies and practices that normalize excessive force, secrecy, and impunity in federal operations.

“Accountability is not optional in a democracy,” said Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW. “When government agents kill civilians, the public deserves answers, and families deserve justice. The ACLU’s lawsuit is a critical step toward exposing the murders that happened, preventing future abuses, and affirming that no administration is above the law.”

Florida NOW calls on elected officials, civil‑rights organizations, and community leaders across the country to support the families of Joseph and Samaroo and to demand transparent investigations into all federal operations that result in civilian harm.

Florida NOW will continue to advocate for human rights, immigrant justice, and government accountability in every community across our state.

Media Contact: Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW, 407 234-6408, vp@flnow.org

Orlando, FL — The Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW) is expressing deep alarm and grief following the killing of 37‑year‑old ICU nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis on January 24. According to multiple news reports, Pretti — a U.S. citizen, lawful gun owner, and longtime Minneapolis resident — was fatally shot during a federal enforcement operation that has already drawn widespread public concern and justified criticism.

Witness video and reporting indicate that Pretti was surrounded by several federal agents, forced to the ground, struck repeatedly, and then shot multiple times. State investigators were initially blocked from accessing the scene, raising serious questions about evidence preservation and oversight.

“This killing underscores an escalating pattern of violent federal enforcement actions that endanger community members and erode public trust,” said Julie Kent, President FL NOW. “Every person — regardless of citizenship, race, gender, or immigration status — deserves safety, dignity, and due process. The public deserves answers.”

Pretti’s family has publicly described him as a dedicated ICU nurse who cared deeply for others and was distressed by the impact of federal immigration raids on his community. Reports confirm he had no criminal history beyond minor traffic violations and held a valid permit to carry.

This incident marks the third shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis in recent weeks, intensifying community fear and prompting large-scale protests. Local officials have called for federal agencies to halt operations that have resulted in repeated civilian deaths and confrontations.

FL NOW Calls for Immediate Action! FL NOW urges:

• A full, independent investigation into the killing of Alex Pretti, including unrestricted access for state investigators.
• Immediate release of all available body-worn camera footage, operational memos, and use-of-force reportsrelated to the incident.
• A halt to federal enforcement operations in Minneapolis until investigations are complete and safety protocols are reviewed.
• National standards for transparency and accountability in federal law‑enforcement actions that impact local communities.

“Communities cannot be expected to trust systems that operate without transparency,” said Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW.“Accountability is essential to public safety. No family should lose a loved one under circumstances that remain unclear or shielded from scrutiny. Having something like the Gestapo on our streets, and in our communities is un-American and frightening. We won’t tolerate this police state across America! ”

About FL NOW

The Florida National Organization for Women advocates for gender equity, racial justice, bodily autonomy, and the protection of civil and human rights across the state and nation.

Media Contact: Debbie Deland, vp@flnow.org, 407 234-6408

Kaitlyn Kirk, FLNOW Communications Director, has created an action linktr.ee  and it is terrific!

The linktr.ee is titled Florida NOW Legislative Action.

Check out the email actions that you can do in just a few minutes.  It is easy, quick and clear.  Speak out!

Thank you, Judi Marraccini, FL NOW Legislative Director