1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose any expansion of absolute immunity protections for federal law enforcement officers and to support state-level investigations when federal agents use lethal force against civilians. The recent shooting death of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three and U.S. citizen, by an ICE officer in Minneapolis has exposed a dangerous precedent. Vice President JD Vance claimed the officer is "protected by absolute immunity" simply because he was engaged in federal law enforcement action. This assertion contradicts established law. Federal agents are not immune from prosecution if they act outside their authority, and no law enforcement officer should be shielded from accountability when they take a life. The FBI has now denied Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension access to case materials, scene evidence, and investigative interviews, despite an initial agreement for a joint investigation. BCA Superintendent Drew Evans withdrew from the investigation because the bureau cannot meet the investigative standards that Minnesota law and the public demands without access to evidence. Governor Tim Walz stated that the pre-judgment already made by federal leadership creates a very dangerous situation. The shooting itself raises serious questions about proper use of force. Cellphone video shows an ICE officer firing at least two shots at close range at Good's SUV as he jumped out of the way. Justice Department policy states deadly force is allowed only when no reasonable alternative exists, including stepping out of the vehicle's path. Most police departments and federal guidance bar shooting at a moving vehicle unless the driver poses an imminent threat beyond the car itself. Independent researchers at The Trace have identified roughly 30 use-of-force incidents nationwide linked to the current administration's immigration enforcement actions, including 15 shootings. This pattern demands oversight, not immunity. I urge you to support legislation that ensures state and local authorities can conduct independent criminal investigations when federal agents use lethal force, and to publicly oppose any claims of absolute immunity for law enforcement officers. Accountability protects both civilians and the integrity of law enforcement.