Story perspectives

Senator Johnson Blames Ellison for Immigration-Related Deaths

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) confronted Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D) at a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing, accusing him of encouraging anti-ICE activists.
Johnson said Ellison's actions contributed to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, stating, "Two people are dead because you encouraged them."
Ellison rejected the claim as false and theatrical.
The exchange followed the end of a Minneapolis immigration operation announced by Trump's Border Czar.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on October 3, abolished discriminatory national origin quotas that had favored Northern Europeans since the 1920s. This landmark legislation allowed over 1 million immigrants annually, reshaping U.S. demographics and fostering diverse communities, particularly in cities like Minneapolis, while continuing to influence contemporary immigration debates and enforcement issues.

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Story summary

Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) confronted Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D) at a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing, accusing him of encouraging anti-ICE activists.
Johnson said Ellison's actions contributed to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, stating, "Two people are dead because you encouraged them."
Ellison rejected the claim as false and theatrical.
The exchange followed the end of a Minneapolis immigration operation announced by Trump's Border Czar.

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