Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman was visibly emotional at the Sundance Film Festival as she addressed the ongoing ICE operations in Minneapolis and the recent tragic shootings across the U.S.
Speaking at the event in Park City, Utah, where she was promoting her latest movie, “The Gallerist,” Portman remarked, “We are unfortunately experiencing a horrific time in our country, with federal actions targeting civilians in our own communities.”
Her comments followed the death of a 37-year-old nurse from Minnesota, who was shot by federal agents during a protest against the immigration policies of the Trump administration.
The Department of Homeland Security reported that the individual, identified as Alex Pretti, was shot after allegedly approaching Border Patrol officers with a firearm. However, video footage suggests he was holding a phone at the time of the incident. Trump officials have labeled him as a “domestic terrorist [who] attempted to assassinate federal law enforcement.”
Pretti’s family vehemently rejects this description. Eyewitnesses claim that ICE agents fatally shot an ICU nurse who did not pose any threat.
On Sunday, Portman mentioned feeling grateful to be at a film festival far from Minneapolis, yet the violent events in Minnesota and the resulting protests were very much on her mind.
“I’m very inspired, though, by all of the amazing, amazing Americans, who are coming out and supporting each other and being there in their communities,” she said. “It’s beautiful.”
The 44-year-old star was born in Israel, but attended school on Long Island. She won a best actress Oscar in 2011 for her performance in “Black Swan.”
With News Wire Services
