Letters from an American January 25, 2026
53 snips
Jan 26, 2026 A deep dive into the killing of VA nurse Alex Preddy by federal agents and the tangled federal narrative that followed. Examination of Minnesota community responses, patrols, and political tensions. Coverage of Republican infighting, former officials' condemnations, and how national groups and athletes have reacted. Discussion of polling and editorials urging a pause in federal operations.
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Killing Sparks National Backlash
- Federal agents killed VA ICU nurse Alex Preddy during an ICE/CBP operation, sparking national outrage and criticism of the administration's tactics.
- Officials' defensive messaging and claims about Preddy's intent are widely disputed and undermined by local records and videos.
State Records Undercut Federal Claims
- Minnesota officials contradicted federal accounts and showed the man identified by DHS had only traffic offenses in state records.
- Local leaders emphasized community solidarity and pressure as responses to federal operations.
National Guard And NBA Show Solidarity
- The Minnesota National Guard handed out donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate to anti-ICE protesters while wearing neon vests.
- NBA players and the NBPA publicly expressed solidarity with Minnesota protesters and condemned the killings.