A group of over 60 top business leaders in Minnesota, including a leading US insurance executive, has spoken out in response to rising tensions following the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. The CEOs sent an open letter urging officials at all levels—federal, state, and local—to work together and ease the escalating conflict.
The move comes amid fallout from “Operation Metro Surge,” a federal immigration enforcement campaign started in December 2025. The operation has led to about 3,000 arrests and at least three deaths, including Pretti’s. Video that has circulated online appears to show that Pretti, a 37-year-old US citizen, was unarmed when he was shot, challenging early claims that he posed an immediate danger.
In their letter, the business leaders said the recent events have pushed the community to a breaking point. They warned that ongoing unrest is disrupting daily life and carries risks for Minnesota’s economy and workforce. However, they stopped short of calling for the operation to be halted entirely. Instead, they focused on the need for stability and economic security—concerns especially important to insurers and financial companies who face risks such as business interruptions, property damage, and legal liabilities during periods of unrest.
For insurance companies, the situation is familiar. The protests, clashes, and temporary closures of businesses in Minneapolis mirror scenarios that can trigger a surge in insurance claims. These can include everything from damage to businesses and property, to liabilities involving workers and directors. Extended unrest and heightened enforcement actions often cause a ripple effect impacting many sectors.
The unrest has drawn criticism from many different groups, ranging from tech and finance leaders to gun-rights organizations like the NRA. Minnesota’s Attorney General, Keith Ellison, has also condemned the shooting and secured a federal court order to preserve evidence, questioning the official explanations given.
The letter from the Minnesota business community sends a clear message: patience is running thin. The CEOs emphasized the importance of leadership and problem-solving to keep the state strong and urged political leaders to find real, workable solutions. With investigations ongoing and increasing pressure on Washington to rethink its approach, these corporate voices show a strong desire to see tensions lowered soon, for the good of Minnesota’s communities and economy.