BOSTON — At a moment of national unrest and growing distrust of federal law enforcement, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden has taken a highly charged stand, declaring that residents have the right to “observe, monitor and document” ICE and other federal agents operating in their communities.

The statement comes as the country remains on edge following the fatal shootings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, both killed by federal agents in Minneapolis in separate encounters that have ignited protests, outrage, and calls for accountability nationwide.

In unusually forceful language, Hayden said he was “appalled and saddened” by the killings and accused ICE, Border Patrol, and Homeland Security of carrying out “unprecedented incursions” that have “eroded, not enhanced, public safety.” He also blasted what he described as “cruel and deceitful slanders” about the victims — issued, he said, before full investigations were completed.

Then came the line now drawing intense attention:

Residents, Hayden said, have the right to peacefully protest and to “observe, monitor and document law enforcement activities without threat of violence or detention.” His office, he added, will “vigorously protect” those First Amendment rights.

The declaration lands as new footage from days before Alex Pretti’s death has poured fresh gasoline on the controversy. Video that surfaced online appears to show Pretti in a heated confrontation with federal agents roughly 11 days before he was fatally shot, spitting at and kicking a federal agent’s vehicle during an earlier Minneapolis protest — behavior that some critics say undermines the narrative that he was simply an innocent observer and that federal enforcement is out of control. The resurfaced clips show Pretti angrily engaging with officers, cursing at them, spitting in their direction, and smashing a taillight on their SUV before officers tackled him, underscoring how chaotic and packed with contradictions the federal narrative has become.

Good, 37, was killed earlier this month during an ICE operation involving her vehicle. Pretti, also 37 — an ICU nurse and legal gun owner — was killed weeks later in a separate confrontation. Together, the deaths have become flashpoints in a widening national debate over federal power, use of force, and the public’s right to document law enforcement.

Hayden attempted to strike a measured tone, urging federal agencies to work “with, not against” state and local police. But he drew a clear red line, saying his office would not tolerate racial or ethnic profiling, violations of due process, or intimidation of residents who choose to watch and record.

As protests spread, videos continue to circulate, and competing narratives collide, the Boston DA’s message is unmistakable — and explosive: people are allowed to watch. They are allowed to document. And his office says it will defend them if they do.