1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

The violent federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, which resulted in the deaths of VA intensive care nurse Alex Pretti and Renee Good, represents a dangerous escalation that demands immediate investigation and accountability. I urge you to support the February 12 hearing called by Senator Rand Paul and push for comprehensive oversight of Operation Metro Surge. The administration's response to this crisis has been deeply troubling. Rather than taking responsibility for the violence, officials blamed Pretti for his own death and suggested that Democratic officials caused these tragedies. Immigration officers deployed to Minneapolis have contradicted this narrative, telling The New York Times they are angry at the dangerous situations created by aggressive tactics, arrest quotas, and long hours. One agent stated he no longer believes any official statements from the administration. This operation has expanded far beyond its stated focus on public safety threats. Republican Chris Madel withdrew from the Minnesota governor's race because he cannot support national Republicans' stated retribution on Minnesota citizens, noting that U.S. citizens, particularly people of color, now live in fear and carry papers to prove citizenship. When a federal operation makes American citizens afraid in their own communities, something has gone fundamentally wrong. The bipartisan concern is significant. Republican Senators Bill Cassidy, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis, John Curtis, Jerry Moran, and Todd Young have called for investigations. Former Vice President Mike Pence called the images deeply troubling. Even Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the White House needs to recalibrate their approach. I ask that you publicly support a full investigation into the conduct of federal agents in Minneapolis, demand accountability for those responsible for the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, and work to ensure that immigration enforcement operations respect constitutional rights and do not terrorize American citizens. The rule of law requires accountability at every level.