Famous author Stephen King has sparked a national conversation by comparing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the Nazi “Gestapo.” His bold statement on social media follows the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, by a federal agent in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.
King is not alone in his criticism. Other high-profile figures, including Bruce Springsteen and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have echoed these concerns. They argue that the use of masked federal agents in American streets undermines democracy and mirrors the tactics of historical police states.
The core of the controversy lies in the conflicting accounts of Pretti’s death. While the Department of Homeland Security claims agents acted in self-defense against an armed man, video footage and witness reports suggest a different story. Evidence appears to show Pretti was unarmed, holding only a cell phone while trying to protect a woman.
Pretti’s family has publicly condemned the administration’s version of events, calling them “sickening lies.” They describe the late nurse as a “good man” and a hero who spent his life caring for veterans. His death has now become a focal point for those demanding transparency and an end to aggressive federal tactics.