1. United States
2. Mont.
3. Letter

I am writing to demand an immediate independent investigation into the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Witness video footage captured the moment of this shooting, and according to reports, photographic and video evidence contradicts ICE's claim that this was an act of self defense. Federal immigration enforcement officers should not have the authority to shoot people down in cold blood simply because they are attempting to flee. The use of deadly force must be reserved for situations where there is an imminent threat to life, not as punishment for noncompliance. The existence of video evidence makes this case particularly urgent for review, as it provides an objective record of what actually occurred rather than relying solely on officer accounts. This incident occurred during what the Department of Homeland Security describes as its largest immigration enforcement operation to date in Saint Paul and across the Twin Cities. The scale and intensity of this operation raises serious questions about the rules of engagement being used and whether officers are receiving adequate training on appropriate use of force. When federal agents operate in our communities, they must be held to the highest standards of accountability. I am requesting that you take immediate action to ensure this shooting receives a thorough, independent investigation by an entity outside of ICE or DHS. Additionally, I urge you to push for mandatory investigations of all shootings by ICE officers, particularly those resulting in fatalities. These investigations should be conducted by independent bodies with subpoena power and the authority to recommend criminal charges when warranted. The people of Minnesota deserve to know that federal agents operating in our state are subject to meaningful oversight and accountability. Without independent investigation and transparency, we cannot have confidence that deadly force is being used appropriately or that officers who abuse their authority will face consequences.