by John Bernard, ©2026
(Jan. 26, 2026) — Fact:
- Minneapolis is 80% Democrat
- Democrats are largely hostile to the Second Amendment, seeing it as a government-regulated privilege versus an Uninfringeable, Immutable, Natural Right.
- Ironically or more truthfully, opportunistically, Democrats have as of yesterday become 2A supporters and gun enthusiasts. The difference between those on the Left and Right is that the Right typically does not protest, riot, obstruct and assault. And while we are fervent defenders of the Second Amendment, we typically engage our Right judiciously without ostentatious display or to instigate confrontation with LEOs.
- Democrats bend the First Amendment for their benefit to include redefining LEO obstruction, assault, and physical altercation as First Amendment peaceful assembly.
- Illegal Aliens are guilty of committing a criminal act and should expect a visit from ICE and to be deported. Americans should be as unified in that effort now as they were of Obama’s Administration who was as aggressive and to date, more successful in deportation numbers.
- We cannot know what Pretti was thinking, but carrying a Sig P320 with 3 loaded mags with no ID while also intending to confront and obstruct an ICE Operation, which is both illegal and selective in his application of outrage, was at the very least a display of poor judgment.
Those of us who have defended 2A our entire lives and carried for as long also respect Law Enforcement, and many of us have defended the Nation in wars and/or the street as LEOs. We live judicious, peaceful lives without pushing the bounds of civility, especially while armed.
- No Illegal Alien has a legal defense for having breached any Sovereign Border anywhere on earth. No American citizen has any legitimate argument for extending a unique forgiveness to illegals much less concealing illegals or obstructing a lawful, congressionally mandated effort to remove them.
Did Pretti deserve to die? No.
Did Pretti use astoundingly poor judgment which specifically led to his death? Yes.
Is the establishment of “sanctuary” enclaves to shield illegal aliens in contravention of Federal Law not itself a criminal act? Is a politician’s call for a Citizen obstruction of Federal LEO Operation not in fact an actionable crime? How could either of these be dismissed as having fertilized the field for Pretti’s series of poor decisions which put CBP Officers in an untenable, predictably escalatory environment with Pretti physically resisting Officers to his very end?
Again, did Pretti “deserve” to die? No. But as an ironically Leftist defended lawful gun owner, he acted contrary to how gun owners nationwide typically know to behave which unfortunately directly led to his death.
An investigation will determine whether CBP acted appropriately, and no, a highly partisan, self-delegitimized, prejudiced Minnesota Lynch Mob who has already passed judgment should not be allowed to further poison the well.
Unfortunately, this is unlikely to end until the ICE Operation in Minneapolis is deemed finished because there is no indication the rioters are going to let up or that the politicians are going to grow up, act and speak responsibly anytime soon.
SF
John Bernard
Mr. Bernard, you say “did Pretti deserve to die? No. But as an ironically Leftist defended lawful gun owner, he acted contrary to how gun owners nationwide typically know to behave which unfortunately directly led to his death.”
Respectfully and rhetorically, I ask if what you are saying is that Pretti’s conduct on 1-24-2026 (which as far as I can tell was lawful that day) “directly led to” and resulted in his death. BUT WHAT ABOUT THE CONDUCT OF THE GOVERNMENT AGENTS WHO ASSAULTED AND MURDERED HIM? In my opinion, they are the ones whose actions were criminal and “led to his death.”
Even if, as some in high places have said, Pretti was “stupid,” I am aware of no punishment for “stupidity.” Certainly not an execution!
Yes, John, it is a federal felony to assist or enable an illegal alien to evade law enforcement. Unfortunately, as we have both observed, these laws appear to be inconsistently enforced, particularly when it comes to public servants.The actions of such officials amount to a deprivation of services and theft of public funds, as they knowingly and willfully deny U.S. citizens within their jurisdictions the due process and protections established under immigration law. It is essential to recognize that these immigration laws exist primarily to safeguard the interests of American citizens, not those of illegal aliens. Ensuring domestic tranquility and prevent domestic violence. Moreover, elected and appointed officials are compensated through taxpayer dollars, yet they fail to provide the trustworthy, equitable, and unbiased services that the public pays for and trusts will be afforded without hesitation, mental reservation or for any reason will evade this duty. Theft of services. Services you, me and every citizen has paid for in advance and in perpetuity. This raises serious concerns regarding potential criminal misconduct, organized corruption and constructive fraud.