Memorial Ride in Des Moines Honors the Life of Alex Pretti - A Stand for Justice and Community
Des Moines, IA - This Saturday, January 31, at 1:00 PM CST, the Des Moines cycling community will gather at Union Park for a memorial ride honoring the life of Alex Jeffery Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis nurse and beloved cyclist who was shot and killed during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The ride will follow a 7-mile round-trip route to the Iowa State Capitol, concluding with a moment of remembrance and community solidarity.
Alex was not only an intensive care nurse known for his compassion and deep commitment to helping others, he was also an active member of the Minneapolis cycling community and a customer of Angry Catfish, a local bike shop that has helped organize memorial rides across the country in his honor. Pretti’s love of cycling and connection to fellow riders made him a familiar and cherished presence among Minneapolis cyclists.
This memorial ride is being organized locally in solidarity with efforts like the ride hosted by Angry Catfish in Minneapolis and to show unified support for all those whose lives have been impacted by actions of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Event Details:
Starting Location: Union Park, Des Moines, IA
Date & Time: Saturday, January 31, 2026 - 1:00 PM CST Route: 7-mile round trip to the Iowa State Capitol
“All of us can come together in unity to remember Alex for what he was - a kind and caring soul put on this earth to be a light for others,” said organizers. “Although his light was extinguished, the spark he left behind has ignited something in us that’s been hiding all along. We are stronger together - and they can’t take us all.”
Organizers are inviting cyclists, community groups, bike shops, non-profit organizations, and all supporters of justice and human dignity to join in solidarity. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a first-time participant, your presence will help honor Alex’s memory and raise awareness of the issues impacting communities across the United States.
This memorial is open to everyone in the community, not only those who ride bikes. Participants are encouraged to join in whatever way feels accessible and meaningful - by walking, standing, rolling, skating, scootering, using mobility aids, or simply being present. This gathering is about collective remembrance, solidarity, and community care. Whether you ride, walk, sit, or observe, your presence matters.