Billie Eilish Calls Out Celebs After Deadly ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN — Pop star Billie Eilish broke her silence on a major national controversy — urging fellow celebrities to speak up about the shooting death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis this weekend.

In an Instagram post on Sunday, Eilish shared a selfie with a puzzled expression and a blunt message calling on “my fellow celebrities” to use their platforms and stop staying quiet about the incident.

Her brother, producer and musician Finneas O’Connell, also posted a fiery video criticizing public reactions to the shooting — calling out what he sees as a double standard in how Americans defend gun rights in other crises but defend the agents who shot Pretti, even though he was legally armed and never drew his weapon.

What Happened to Alex Pretti

Pretti — an ICU nurse and U.S. citizen — was shot and killed during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on January 24. Video footage that has circulated widely appears to show him recording agents and trying to intervene on behalf of others when a Border Patrol agent fired multiple shots.

Federal officials have offered conflicting accounts, with some claiming Pretti threatened officers. But family statements and several eyewitness reports strongly dispute that narrative, and protests have erupted in Minneapolis and nationwide as outrage grows.

Celebrities Join the Outcry

Eilish is not alone: a growing list of stars has spoken out against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the agency’s tactics following the shooting. Singers Olivia Rodrigo and Ariana Grande, as well as actors like Natalie Portman and Jennifer Aniston, have publicly condemned the incident and called for justice and accountability.

Some celebrities have gone further, using demonstrations and red-carpet events to protest the agency’s actions and rally public attention.

Broader National Reaction

The reaction to Pretti’s death isn’t limited to Hollywood. National figures — including former President Barack Obama and other political leaders — have called for a full investigation and greater transparency around the events leading up to the shooting. Business and tech leaders have also condemned the use of force and called for changes in federal enforcement operations.

At the same time, some officials continue to back the agents involved, highlighting the deep political divide over immigration policy and law enforcement tactics.