Statement from YWCA USA: Our Nation’s Moral Crossroads Run Through Minneapolis

We continue to grieve the unnecessary loss of life in Minneapolis and extend our deepest condolences to Alex Pretti’s loved ones. We stand with the Twin Cities community as it mourns, seeks answers, and calls for accountability. While changes in immigration enforcement leadership may represent an incremental step, we remain deeply alarmed by the ongoing and egregious use of force that places residents at risk.

At YWCA, safety is foundational to our mission of peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. When government enforcement actions result in loss of life or instill fear in communities, the harm extends far beyond a single incident—undermining public trust and the conditions people need to live, work, and thrive. No person, regardless of immigration status or background, should fear lethal force in their own community.

The consequences of fear-driven enforcement fall most heavily on women, children, and survivors. Unchecked behavior under federal pretense signals that no place is safe, leading survivors of domestic and sexual violence to avoid lifesaving services such as safe shelter and protection through the courts. This climate of fear destabilizes families, erodes trust, closes pathways to safety, and places children at greater risk of trauma and instability, leaving those most at risk more isolated and vulnerable – undermining the very systems designed to protect them.

YWCA USA calls for an end to the use of lethal force in immigration enforcement and a commitment to approaches grounded in safety, de-escalation, accountability, and respect for human dignity.

“Our country is at a moral crossroads and we will continue to speak out when systems intended to protect the public instead endanger lives,” said Margaret Mitchell, CEO of YWCA USA. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to building communities where every person is safe, valued, and able to thrive.”

YWCA USA is a nonpartisan organization that has served communities for more than 167 years, working to eliminate racism, empower women, and advance justice and dignity for all. In this moment of grief, we reaffirm our solidarity with immigrant communities, YWCA Minneapolis, and the people of the Twin Cities—and our enduring commitment to ensuring every life is valued and protected.

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