Lewiston, Maine - Senate candidate Graham Platner slammed the Trump administration's deadly attacks on communities across the US in a speech to supporters after federal agents' latest fatal shooting in Minneapolis.

"Today, I am angry. I am angry watching laws be selectively enforced in our communities, watching the institutions that are supposed to protect us fail to do so," Platner said during a Saturday speech in Lewiston.

His remarks came after federal immigration agents fatally shot 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis as he was trying to help a woman officers had shoved to the ground while using pepper spray. The killing came less than three weeks after ICE fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good in her car in the same city.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has waged an all-out assault on immigrant communities around the nation, stripping legal protections, separating families, and detaining and deporting people without due process. Already, at least six people have died in ICE custody in the first weeks of 2026.

Marjorie Taylor Greene Marjorie Taylor Greene says Trump is leading US "into civil war" after Minneapolis ICE shooting

"We must be clear-eyed about what is happening," Platner told supporters over the weekend. "This has nothing to do with the law. This has nothing to do with protecting Americans. This barely has anything to do with immigration."

"This the administration using the age-old tactic of targeting the marginalized and exploited, to scapegoat them in order to increase their capacity to use force and violence."

"They are doing it in order to consolidate power because this is about power."

Platner criticized many Democratic leaders for failing to meet the moment. He praised everyday people who are stepping up to protect and provide support to communities amid the violence and fear.

"No one is coming to save us. But in saving ourselves, we are going to learn how capable we truly are," he said.

Platner is an oyster farmer and US military veteran who did four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is seeking the Democratic nomination for Senate in Maine in 2026.

Last week, the Senate Leadership Fund, a Republican super PAC, announced an "initial investment" of $42 million to boost incumbent Susan Collins.

"They're getting nervous," Platner responded on X.

Donald Trump Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariff if it signs trade deal with China: "China will eat Canada alive!"

Recent polls show Platner locked in a hotly contested Democratic primary race with the state's current Governor Janet Mills.

Platner faced controversy last year when it came out he had a "Totenkopf" – the skull and crossbones symbol of the Nazi SS – tattooed on his chest.

The Senate candidate claimed he got the inking during a drunken night out with fellow Marines in Croatia back in 2007 and that he was not aware what the symbol represented. He has since had the tattoo covered with a Celtic knot.

Platner has continued to receive support from Senator Bernie Sanders, several labor unions, and other progressive groups in spite of the troubling revelations.