Everything about the murder of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents this past Saturday in Minneapolis is horrifying.

The belligerent interactions of ICE/CBP personnel with city residents. The violent response to Alex's defense of a female legal observer. The swarming, overwhelming use of physical force to subdue Alex, a man whose actions were rooted in helping others, not attacking masked federal agents. The terrifying speed with which the physical assault turned into a deadly encounter. The chilling moment one agent appeared to clap immediately after the shooting. The failure to provide Alex with emergency medical aid.

Every bit of it would be unbelievable—if every bit wasn’t captured on video, by multiple observers from multiple angles. The sidewalk execution of VA ICU nurse Alex Pretti, beamed into our living rooms and dissected in excruciating detail, is undeniable. 

We know Alex isn't the first. This young year alone, seven others have lost their lives in the course of their interactions with ICE: 

• Luis Gustavo Núñez Càceres
• Geraldo Lunas Campos
• Víctor Manuel Díaz
• Parady La
• Renee Nicole Good
• Luis Beltrán Yáñez-Cruz
• Heber Sánches Domínguez

None of it is palatable. None of it is digestible. None of it makes sense.

How do we make sense of the senseless? How do we respond to an increasingly fascist, authoritarian regime, trying to convince us not to believe our own eyes?

In times like this, we must find ways to channel our outrage, our grief, our pain into collective action. We must find ways to honor the extraordinary life of service Alex undertook. We must pick up where he leaves off.

There are many things we can do. Here are a few suggestions for direct action in the coming days:

• Call and email Sens. Budd and Tillis. This week, the U.S. Senate is voting on an appropriations bill to fund Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which houses ICE and CBP. DHS funding runs out on January 30. If this bill does not pass, ICE and CBP will have no way to fund their fascist operations targeting our friends and neighbors. Let's make sure Sens. Budd and Tillis hear us load and clear: "NOT ONE MORE PENNY FOR ICE!" 
• Support, promote and participate in the General Strike this Friday, January 30. Last week, Minneapolis student organizations pulled together a massive strike in the city. They are now asking the rest of the country to stand with Minnesota in a general strike. This Friday, no work, no school, no shopping. The Trump regime speaks the language of money. Let's hit 'em where they feel it—their wallets. 
• Prepare for more ICE/CBP operations in North Carolina. ICE never left our state. And folks are preparing for a potential return of CBP. When they show up in our neighborhoods, let's show them (again) how fast ICE melts in the South. Siembra NC and Carolina Migrant Network continue to provide ICE watch and ICE verification trainings. Find and attend one near you (or online). 

At CJJ, we'll continue to explore meaningful ways for our community to pitch in. Keep an eye out for future communications from our Immigrant Rights Working Group. And join us for our February Kibbitz, where we'll unpack the effects of the violent extremism being visited upon us by the MAGA administration.