Boston, February 8, 2026
The Boston City Council has voted overwhelmingly to condemn the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis. This emergency resolution, passed on January 28, emphasizes the need for accountability and due process in governmental actions. The councilors express solidarity with the victims’ families and highlight concerns regarding governmental power over individuals, reinforcing calls for transparency and legal adherence. The condemnation aligns with a growing sentiment among local governments and civil rights organizations advocating for justice and the protection of human dignity.
Boston
The Boston City Council has taken a resolute stance, voting overwhelmingly to condemn the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This action, solidified in an emergency resolution passed on January 28, 2026, and affirmed by January 30, 2026, underscores a profound concern over the scope of governmental power and its human implications.
The resolution extends a message of solidarity, reaching out to the families grieving these losses, to the community of Minneapolis, and to the diverse immigrant communities within Boston. This formal condemnation from a municipal body highlights a growing national conversation regarding accountability and due process when federal actions result in the loss of life.
Details of the Council’s Stance
Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata, a proponent of the resolution, articulated a foundational principle regarding governmental authority, emphasizing that no government entity possesses the right to unilaterally act as judge, jury, and executioner. This statement reflects a widespread sentiment that the rule of law must be upheld, even in the most challenging circumstances, and that the sanctity of human life demands rigorous adherence to established legal processes. The council’s decisive vote signals a clear demand for transparency and justice in these tragic events.
Broader Local and National Echoes
The sentiment expressed in Boston is not isolated. Just four days prior to the current date (February 8, 2026), the South Burlington City Council also officially condemned killings attributed to federal immigration enforcement actions, demonstrating a recurring pattern of local governments voicing concern over federal operations. Earlier, on January 7, 2026, a vigil in Minneapolis drew numerous participants who also condemned the shooting by federal agents, indicating a community-level grief and demand for answers.
Organizations dedicated to civil liberties have likewise voiced strong objections. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and its Minnesota chapter issued a condemnation of the killings, noting that every person ICE has killed had a family. This powerful observation serves as a poignant reminder of the profound and often irrecoverable human cost associated with such incidents, inviting reflection on the wider societal ripple effects that extend far beyond the immediate moment of tragedy. The pain of loss, it appears, is a deeply personal echo that resonates across many communities.
Context and Reflection on Governance
The recent condemnations by city councils in Boston and South Burlington underscore a persistent tension between federal enforcement mandates and local community values. These actions reflect a careful consideration of the delicate balance required to maintain public safety while safeguarding individual liberties and ensuring governmental accountability. The echoes of past tragedies, such as the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020, which also prompted the Boston City Council to convene and deliberate, serve as a somber historical backdrop, reinforcing the urgency of these discussions on the proper limits of state power and the imperative of human dignity.
In a broader national context, the landscape of urban safety continues to evolve. Recent data indicates that crime trends in U.S. cities saw varied outcomes at the close of 2025. Twenty-seven of thirty-five U.S. cities experienced lower homicide rates in 2025 compared to 2019, with Baltimore, Maryland, notably achieving the largest reduction. While these trends offer some measure of relief in certain areas, the incidents in Minneapolis serve as a stark reminder that the pursuit of justice and the protection of life remain multifaceted challenges, requiring continuous vigilance and compassionate governance at every level. The resolutions passed by these city councils are not merely bureaucratic declarations; they are expressions of a collective conscience, a quiet insistence that even in the face of complex realities, the fundamental principles of fairness and human regard must steadfastly endure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What action did the Boston City Council take?
- The Boston City Council voted overwhelmingly to condemn the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- When did the Boston City Council pass the resolution?
- The Boston City Council passed an emergency resolution on January 28, 2026, and affirmed it by January 30, 2026.
- What did the resolution express?
- The resolution expressed solidarity with the families of those killed, with the people of Minnesota, and with immigrant communities in Boston.
- What was a key principle articulated by a councilor regarding governmental authority?
- Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata stated that no government agency — none — has the authority to act as the judge, jury and executioner.
- Which other city council condemned similar killings recently?
- The South Burlington City Council officially condemned killings attributed to federal immigration enforcement actions four days prior to the current date (February 8, 2026).
- What do organizations like the ACLU say about these incidents?
- The American Civil Liberties Union and ACLU of Minnesota strongly condemn the killings, noting that every person ICE has killed had a family.
- How have homicide rates changed in U.S. cities recently?
- Twenty-seven of thirty-five U.S. cities had lower homicide rates in 2025 than in 2019, with Baltimore, Maryland, experiencing the largest drop.
Key Features of City Council Condemnations
| Feature | Boston City Council Condemnation | South Burlington City Council Condemnation |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Action | January 28-30, 2026 | Around February 4, 2026 (4 days ago from February 8, 2026) |
| Subject of Condemnation | Killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis | Killings attributed to federal immigration enforcement actions |
| Expressed Solidarity With | Families of deceased, people of Minnesota, immigrant communities in Boston | Not explicitly detailed in provided data, but general condemnation of killings |
| Underlying Principle Highlighted | Government agencies lack authority to act as judge, jury, and executioner | Not explicitly detailed in provided data, but condemnation implies similar principles |
| Geographic Scope | Local (Boston) condemning events in State-level (Minneapolis) | Local (South Burlington) condemning general federal actions |
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