JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Nationwide, protests against federal immigration enforcement are gaining momentum and intensity.

The public outcry was starkly evident in Jacksonville on Tuesday.

Gathering in their hundreds, protesters marched from the federal courthouse downtown. They were united in their call for justice following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis.

Conflicting narratives have emerged regarding the circumstances of Pretti’s death, with some of the Department of Homeland Security’s statements clashing with video evidence.

“It was sickening, it was saddening, and it just strengthens my resolve that we must fight for people like him,” expressed Maria Garcia, an organizer with the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance.

For many in attendance at Tuesday’s protest, the issue is personal.

“It’s important for me to come out and speak out because that’s really the only thing I can do,” said Crystal Aguilar, another Jacksonville resident.

“I do have family that is undocumented. Both my parents were undocumented. So growing up, I lived in constant fear,” said Aguilar, “growing up, I always felt very isolated and seeing so many people come out today in support of families like mine is amazing.”

President Donald Trump addressed Pretti’s death on Tuesday, saying he will watch how the investigation “plays out.”

“Well, you know, we’re doing a big investigation. I want to see the investigation; I’m going to be watching over it. I want a very honorable and honest investigation. I have to see it myself,” said President Trump. 

“I don’t like that he had a gun. I don’t like that he has two fully loaded magazines, that’s a lot of bad stuff, and despite that, I say that’s very unfortunate,” said President Trump. 

It should be noted that Alex Pretti had a Minnesota gun permit. 

Following the rally, protestors took to the streets, marching block by block, chanting for justice. 

“In no world should anyone just be standing by complicit while they took a healthcare worker, a son, a family member‘s life away, just for exercising his right to observe a protest, which we have the right to do in this country. Now is the time to organize, to fight back,” said Maria Garcia. 

As the investigation continues, organizers say they will continue to advocate for change.