The First Amendment Troop performed a dance tribute at the Kennedy Center for Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were shot and killed by immigration agents in separate incidents in Minnesota.
The First Amendment Troop, a performance group, conducted a unique dance tribute called "The ResistDance" at the Kennedy Center to honor Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two individuals who tragically lost their lives due to encounters with immigration enforcement in the United States. This performance brought together 22 dancers and Broadway artists, emphasizing a collective response to the incidents that have sparked discussions around immigration policies and the use of deadly force by agents.
Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old American and mother of three, was shot by an ICE agent during an immigration operation in Minneapolis on January 7. The incident was captured on film by the agent and witnesses, raising significant concerns about the use of lethal force. Renee, known for her artistic talents as a poet and amateur guitarist, left behind a legacy that resonated deeply with the community, particularly in light of this tragedy.
Similarly, Alex Jeffrey Pretti was killed by Border Patrol agents during a separate incident in early January. Both deaths have ignited protests and discussions regarding the actions of immigration officers and the broader implications for immigrant communities in the US. The artistic tribute serves not only as a remembrance for Good and Pretti but also as a call to action against the ongoing violence enacted in the name of immigration enforcement, highlighting the need for reform in the systems in place.
