In January 2026, Galvanize Action fielded a survey to ideologically-moderate women to better understand how they are feeling about recent current events.
QUESTION #1
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis ICU nurse, was fatally shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on January 24, 2026, during a federal immigration enforcement operation amid protests; officials say he was brandishing a weapon, but video and witnesses dispute that account. Which of the following do you believe is to blame for the death of Alex Pretti?
| Percent | |
| The right is pushing its agenda too aggressively or too far | 37% |
| The left is obstructing or blocking changes the right is attempting to implement | 15% |
| Both sides are contributing to the problem, regardless of which is in power | 42% |
| Neither side is to blame, sometimes mistakes are made | 4% |
| Something else | 2% |
QUESTION #2
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
| Strongly disagree | Somewhat disagree | Neither agree nor disagree | Somewhat agree | Strongly agree | |
| The death of Alex Pretti feels relatable in a way that similar incidents have not. | 7% | 14% | 41% | 25% | 13% |
| Alex Pretti’s death challenges assumptions I previously held about who is affected by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions. | 13% | 14% | 31% | 25% | 17% |
| I’m reacting to Alex Pretti’s death similarly to how I respond to other violence. | 3% | 9% | 24% | 37% | 27% |
QUESTION #3
If given the opportunity, which of the following actions would you take in response to Alex Pretti’s death? Please select all that apply.
| Percent | |
| Talking with friends, family, or coworkers about the event | 51% |
| Taking no action and waiting for official investigations | 36% |
| Peaceful protests or demonstrations | 29% |
| Signing an online petition or supporting a campaign digitally | 29% |
| Sharing information or opinions on social media | 26% |
| Public statements or advocacy by community leaders | 18% |
| Making a small donation to organizations addressing the issue | 14% |
| Civil disobedience or disruptive actions (e.g., blocking roads, sit-ins) | 7% |
QUESTION #4
Do you support or oppose how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is handling its job?
| Percent | |
| Strongly support | 12% |
| Somewhat support | 13% |
| Not sure | 14% |
| Somewhat oppose | 16% |
| Strongly oppose | 45% |
QUESTION #5
Below are several statements being circulated in the media about the shooting of Alex Pretti. For each one, please indicate how convincing you find it.
| Haven’t heard it | Not at all | Slightly | Moderately | Very | Extremely | |
| Some say Pretti posed a threat to federal agents, making the shooting justified. | 13% | 50% | 17% | 11% | 6% | 3% |
| Others say Pretti wasn’t brandishing a weapon and not a threat, suggesting the shooting was an overreach. | 13% | 14% | 18% | 14% | 13% | 29% |
| Some narratives describe Pretti as a law-abiding, caring nurse. | 11% | 9% | 13% | 18% | 18% | 31% |
| Others describe him as a dangerous individual or domestic terrorist, framing him as a legitimate target. | 22% | 46% | 16% | 10% | 4% | 2% |
| Some say the incident shows a need for accountability and reforms in federal law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies. | 11% | 9% | 15% | 14% | 16% | 35% |
| Others say the federal agents acted correctly and reforms are unnecessary, emphasizing all law enforcement authority. | 12% | 50% | 17% | 12% | 6% | 4% |
METHODOLOGY
- Audience: Ideologically Moderate US White Women
- Sample size: 574
- Dates in field: January 28, 2026
