In a recent press conference, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz urged Americans to reconsider their perspectives on the federal immigration enforcement procedures, emphasizing the need to view the issue through a moral lens rather than a political one.

“To everyone watching this unfold—whether with curiosity, confusion, horror, scorn, or empathy—I have a question: What side do you want to be on?” Walz posed this question to the nation on Sunday. He challenged citizens to reflect deeply on their stance.

He elaborated by asking, “Do you stand with a seemingly all-powerful federal government capable of harming and abducting its people? Or do you align with the nurse from the VA hospital who lost his life bearing witness to such actions? Or with the mother whose final words were ones of forgiveness? Or perhaps you stand with the thousands who braved a 40-below windchill to march in support of their state and country?” Walz’s impassioned plea was clear—he sought to humanize the discourse around immigration enforcement.

This impassioned appeal followed a tragic incident involving the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Pretti was filming federal law enforcement officers during an immigration operation when tensions escalated, resulting in his fatal shooting.

The Department of Homeland Security defended the officer’s actions, citing self-defense and pointing out that Pretti was in possession of a licensed firearm, which was found at the scene. However, this narrative is disputed by critics who reference bystander video footage. This footage allegedly shows Pretti never holding a weapon before an officer retrieved what appeared to be a firearm and fired shots, raising questions about the justification of the force used.

Addressing Trump’s supporters directly, the governor said even those who back the aggressive immigration crackdown should reflect on whether they support the latest tactics.  

“You’re allowed to decide at any point that you’re not with this anymore. If you voted for this administration — Heck, even if you thought Operation Metro Surge was a good idea, sounded like the thing to do a month ago — you’re still allowed to look at what’s happening here in Minnesota and say, ‘This isn’t what I voted for and this isn’t what I want,’” Walz said. 

“I ask you not to stand by idly, speak out, share what you’re seeing, and urge others to put politics aside. We’re no longer having a political debate. We’re having a moral debate.”