Protest takes place in Palm Springs in aftermath of Pretti shooting
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A rally organized in Palm Springs on Monday afternoon filled a street corner just outside of the Arenas District. It comes as frustration mounts after Alex Pretti's death over the weekend.
Pretti was shot and killed by federal immigration officers in Minnesota on Saturday. That shooting has sparked widespread protests nationwide, and now, locally.
The organizer of the protest told News Channel 3 it was planned spontaneously, with less than 24 hours of notice. It began just before 2:00 p.m. on Monday and wrapped up around 3:00 p.m. While short-lived, it drew a few dozen protesters who held signs and chanted as supportive motorists honked their horns as they drove by.
Experts say ongoing tensions can take a toll on mental health, too. Carolina Vasquez, the Executive Director of Desert Insight, said it's important to recognize the strong emotions that can come during troubling times.
"If we don't notice that it's happening, can come out in ways externally where we projected on other people or internally where we take it against ourselves," said Vasquez.
Taking action in the form of peacefully protesting, to even as small as something as pressing the "share" button on a social media post, can help channel those emotions in a healthy way.
Vasquez said she is also offering support at no charge to undocumented immigrants who may be finding these times difficult on their mental health. She is directing those who are interested to Desert Insight's website, found here, or calling her office's number: (442) 307-3395.
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