Dave Matthews Band have joined a growing chorus of artists condemning recent ICE enforcement actions in Minneapolis, issuing a blunt and emotional statement following the deaths of two American citizens during federal immigration operations.
The band posted their response on Instagram on Monday (January 26th), days after Alex Pretti, a 37 year old intensive care nurse, was shot and killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents on Saturday (January 24th). Pretti’s death followed the earlier killing of Renée Nicole Good, a 37 year old mother of three who was shot by an ICE agent during a separate enforcement action on Wednesday, January 7th (per Billboard).
“We are horrified by the images coming out of Minneapolis,” Dave Matthews Band wrote.
“It’s hard to watch and hard to believe this is America. There is so much shameful dishonesty coming out of Washington right now, but this much is true: If ICE wasn’t in Minneapolis, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti would still be alive today.”
Authorities have claimed both shootings were justified, alleging threats to officer safety. However, multiple media reports cite video footage that appears to contradict official statements, including evidence suggesting Pretti had been disarmed before officers opened fire.
Public backlash has intensified, with calls for an independent investigation into ICE tactics in Minnesota gaining momentum, Dave Matthews Band echoed those concerns, adding, “None of this makes sense and it’s incredibly cruel. We must find a better way.”
The band also confirmed their charity, Bama Works, has made donations to the ACLU and ACLU of Minnesota, directing fans toward organisations actively challenging the agency’s conduct.
Dave Matthews Band are not alone
Billie Eilish publicly urged fellow artists to speak up, while Pearl Jam amplified a letter from Barack and Michelle Obama addressing Pretti’s killing, “The killing of Alex Pretti is a heartbreaking tragedy,” the Obamas wrote, calling the situation “a wake-up call” for Americans across political lines.
The former president criticised what he described as escalating federal aggression and warned that explanations for the shootings appear “directly contradicted by video evidence.”
As protests continue across Minneapolis and other U.S. cities, artists stepping into the conversation have added cultural weight to demands for accountability, for Dave Matthews Band, the message was simple and unresolved, this did not have to happen.
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