Statement from Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden

BOSTON, January 27, 2026 – Like Americans everywhere, I am appalled and saddened by the shooting deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis. Our hearts go out to their families and friends. The unprecedented incursions into our communities by ICE, Border Patrol and Homeland Security agents have eroded, not enhanced, public safety. The Minneapolis killings make clear that ICE, CBP and DHS mission and tactics threaten citizens everywhere. Further, the Trump administration’s cruel and deceitful slanders of Mr. Pretti and Ms. Good—including blatant lies about the circumstances leading up to their deaths prior to full and proper investigations—are an insult to all Americans.

The residents of Suffolk County have the right to peacefully protest and observe, monitor and document law enforcement activities without threat of violence or detention. My office will vigorously protect our constituents’ First Amendment rights. I encourage our federal partners to work with, not against, state and local law enforcement and to carry out their duties in a lawful, transparent and non-violent manner. We will not tolerate racial and ethnic profiling and disregard for due process and human dignity. We stand with the people of Minnesota and Maine and all our immigrant communities in this harrowing national moment.

All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop. Our office handles more than 20,000 cases a year. Nearly 160 assistant district attorneys practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Boston and Chelsea Juvenile Courts and the Supreme Judicial Court. Our office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs for anyone encountering the criminal justice system. We are committed to educating the public about our mission and services while focusing on crime prevention to keep the residents, workers and visitors of Suffolk County safe.