22Apr
Minneapolis, MN – In response to reports that an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot a woman in her vehicle during an operation in Minneapolis, Common Defense Executive Director, Jose Vasquez issued the following statement:
“ICE’s uninvited presence in Minneapolis is not only destabilizing, it is dangerous and deeply unjust. These federal agents have brought fear, confusion, and now irreparable violence into a city that has already made its stance clear: Minnesota’s leaders and communities neither want nor need ICE operating in their neighborhoods. This federal intrusion serves no public safety purpose; instead, it’s sowing panic and putting lives at risk like the one tragically lost today.
The fatal shooting of a woman amid these reckless operations is a heartbreaking and unforgivable outcome of an unnecessary escalation. This tragedy underscores exactly why communities across the country have rejected ICE’s presence. No one should fear being killed in their own city as a result of overreach by an unaccountable agency. ICE must leave Minneapolis immediately. It is past time for federal leadership to step in, rein in this lawless agency, and ensure accountability for the harm it has caused. Our communities deserve safety, respect, and peace — not raids, fear, or bloodshed.”
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Common Defense Civic Engagement is the nation’s largest grassroots organization of veterans and military families. Founded in 2016, we organize to defend the Constitution, oppose Forever Wars, and fight for a democracy where liberty and justice truly exist for all.