“You Are Not Alone”: Jimmy Kimmel Breaks Down in Tears While Honoring Alex Pretti and Renee Good

The Emotional Reckoning: Jimmy Kimmel’s Tears and the National Conversation on Immigration, Law Enforcement, and Political Rhetoric

The tragic deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good—two innocent victims of an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis—have sparked an outpouring of grief, anger, and public debate. While the fatal shootings by federal agents in January 2026 sparked protests, legal challenges, and calls for greater accountability, one moment in particular caught the nation’s attention: a rare emotional outburst from late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, who broke down in tears during his opening monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on January 26, 2026.

This emotional segment, broadcast to millions of viewers, was a turning point in the national dialogue surrounding the deaths of Pretti and Good. It encapsulated a growing frustration with the Trump administration’s immigration policies, the increasing violence tied to federal law enforcement actions, and the erosion of trust between the government and the communities it serves. Kimmel’s heartfelt message, delivered while he fought to control his emotions, resonated deeply with many Americans, transcending political lines and prompting both praise and criticism. For some, it was a powerful show of solidarity and compassion in the face of tragedy; for others, it was seen as performative. Regardless of how it was received, Kimmel’s words underscored the emotional toll the escalating conflict has taken on individuals and families across the country.

In this essay, we will explore Jimmy Kimmel’s emotional moment in the context of the broader social, political, and moral issues at play in the aftermath of the shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. We will analyze the root causes of the tragedy, the role of political rhetoric in inciting violence, the power of citizen journalism, and how Kimmel’s message of solidarity reflected a growing national reckoning with the state of immigration enforcement, law enforcement conduct, and public safety.

I. The Context: Immigration Enforcement and the Minneapolis Tragedy

To understand the significance of Kimmel’s monologue, it is essential to first examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Both individuals were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, where immigration enforcement had been ramped up in recent months, sparking public unrest and protest. These tragic deaths took place during an operation targeting illegal immigrants, many of whom were already in the U.S. under questionable circumstances or involved in criminal activities.

The initial Department of Homeland Security (DHS) account of the January 24, 2026 shooting of Alex Pretti claimed that he approached federal Border Patrol agents with a handgun and violently resisted their commands. This description, as given by DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin, painted Pretti as an armed threat who was dealt with in self-defense by officers. However, eyewitness testimonies and video footage from the scene told a very different story. The video, recorded by Stella Carlson, showed Pretti holding a phone and trying to assist other protesters, not resisting the officers or posing a threat.

The contrast between the official version and bystander accounts raised questions about the use of force in these operations, with many critics arguing that Pretti’s death was the result of excessive and unjustified violence. Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, publicly rejected DHS’s version of events, expressing their grief and anger at what they saw as a cover-up. They described their son as a kindhearted nurse dedicated to caring for veterans, not a dangerous criminal as the DHS had painted him. This has sparked further calls for accountability and investigations into federal law enforcement practices.

Pretti’s death was part of a wider pattern of violent incidents involving federal agents, especially ICE and Border Patrol, who have become increasingly aggressive in their efforts to enforce immigration laws. The death of Renee Good earlier in the month, under similar circumstances, further intensified the calls for reform and oversight of federal immigration enforcement agencies. It was clear that this was no isolated incident but part of a growing crisis of unaccountable federal action in local communities.

II. The Power of Political Rhetoric: How Trump’s Words Incite Violence

At the heart of the Pretti and Good shootings lies the issue of rhetoric—specifically, President Trump’s incendiary language about immigration, immigrants, and political opponents. Throughout his presidency, Trump has used rhetoric that has demonized and dehumanized immigrants, particularly those from Muslim-majority countries and Latin America. He has called them “criminals,” “rapists,” and “invaders.”

This type of rhetoric does not exist in a vacuum. When the President of the United States uses such language, it normalizes these attitudes in society, emboldening others to express similar hostility. It also creates an environment where violence against certain groups, including immigrants and people of color, is seen as acceptable or even justified. This kind of language has direct consequences—as seen in the Minneapolis shooting.

Ilhan Omar, the Somali-American congresswoman from Minnesota, has been one of the primary targets of Trump’s hate-filled rhetoric. Since taking office, Omar has faced repeated attacks from the President and his allies, including his infamous “send her back” comments in 2019. For Omar, Pretti’s death was not an isolated tragedy but a result of the growing hostility fueled by Trump’s rhetoric. She pointed to the rising number of death threats and violent rhetoric directed at her and other progressive political figures, arguing that Trump’s comments had directly contributed to the environment of fear and violence that led to incidents like Pretti’s death.

Kimmel’s remarks, in which he highlighted the escalation of violence and the harmful effects of divisive rhetoric, underscored the profound impact that Trump’s words have on public perception and social behavior. Trump’s language is not only harmful because it targets marginalized groups, but because it fosters an atmosphere where political violence is perceived as legitimate. When the President of the United States uses dehumanizing language, it sends a dangerous signal to those who may already harbor extremist views that such actions are somehow justified.

III. Stella Carlson and the Role of Citizen Journalism in Exposing the Truth

Stella Carlson’s video of the Minneapolis shooting was a turning point in the case. Without Carlson’s courageous decision to record the incident and share it with the public, the official narrative would likely have gone unchallenged, and Pretti’s death might have been dismissed as a legitimate case of self-defense by law enforcement.

Carlson’s role in capturing the truth highlights the increasing importance of citizen journalism in the digital age. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube have empowered everyday individuals to document and share events as they unfold, providing a direct counter to official narratives that may be biased or incomplete. Carlson’s video not only contradicted the official account from DHS but also served as a powerful reminder that ordinary citizens can play a crucial role in holding the government accountable for its actions.

For Carlson, the decision to stay at the scene and record the incident was an act of courage. As she reflected later, if it weren’t for the collective action of her community, she might not have had the strength to remain as long as she did. She believed that her role in documenting the event was vital, not just for Pretti’s family, but for the broader effort to expose the truth and ensure that justice was served. Carlson’s actions serve as a reminder of the power of individual responsibility and the importance of truth in holding public institutions accountable.

IV. The National Conversation: The Fallout and Broader Implications

Kimmel’s tearful tribute to Alex Pretti and Renee Good resonated across the nation because it provided a human element to a politicized issue. While the DHS and ICE officials were defending their actions and offering their version of events, Kimmel’s monologue placed the focus back on the human cost of immigration enforcement.

Kimmel’s tears represented a moment of empathy that transcended partisan lines. In an era where political polarization often leads to apathy and division, Kimmel’s display of raw emotion reminded millions of viewers that beneath the political arguments and policy debates, real lives are at stake. The message was clear: human lives should never be reduced to political pawns.

The shooting of Pretti and Good was more than just a series of unfortunate events; it was a stark reminder of the human consequences of immigration enforcement policies that do not prioritize compassion, safety, and due process. The public backlash against these deaths—and the role of rhetoric in fueling violence—has led to growing calls for immigration reform, greater accountability, and reforms to law enforcement practices.

V. Conclusion: A Nation’s Reckoning

The emotional impact of Alex Pretti’s death and Renee Good’s death has been felt far beyond Minneapolis. These incidents have sparked a national reckoning about immigration enforcement, the role of law enforcement, and the dangerous rhetoric that drives a wedge between communities and the institutions meant to protect them.

Stella Carlson’s video, Kimmel’s monologue, and the outpouring of grief from the Pretti and Good families are powerful reminders of the need to prioritize human dignity and empathy in our conversations about public policy and the treatment of vulnerable communities.

As the investigation into these deaths continues, the question of accountability looms large. What happened in Minneapolis cannot be allowed to stand as a mere statistical blip in the ongoing immigration debate. Instead, it must serve as a turning point for a nation grappling with the question of how best to balance security and humanity in an increasingly complex world.

For those who were impacted by Pretti and Good’s deaths, the journey toward justice is just beginning. But the courage shown by individuals like Stella Carlson—and the public recognition of the human toll of immigration policies—reminds us that we are not powerless in the face of injustice. It is up to every one of us to ensure that this tragedy does not become just another statistic, but a moment of collective awakening for a more compassionate, transparent, and just society.