Demand Accountability for ICE Use of Force in Minneapolis

I am writing to demand immediate action regarding the escalating use of force by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents operating in Minneapolis. Recent incidents, including ICE shooting a person in the leg during an enforcement operation, demonstrate a dangerous pattern that threatens public safety and community trust in our city. The situation has become more alarming with the denial of Senator Duckworth's request for a joint probe into immigration agents' use of force by Inspectors General. This refusal to investigate prevents accountability and allows dangerous practices to continue unchecked. When federal agents discharge firearms in our neighborhoods without transparent oversight, every resident's safety is compromised. Border Patrol official Greg Bovino has publicly criticized the Minneapolis Police Department for not assisting ICE operations. This criticism misunderstands the proper role of local law enforcement. When local police become entangled with federal immigration enforcement, immigrant communities stop reporting crimes, cooperating with investigations, and seeking help during emergencies. This makes everyone in Minneapolis less safe, regardless of immigration status. The fact that Vice President Vance acknowledged the Minnesota Department of Corrections is cooperating with ICE raises additional concerns about state resources being diverted to federal immigration enforcement priorities. Our state agencies should focus on serving Minnesota residents, not acting as extensions of federal immigration operations that use force without adequate oversight. I urge you to take three specific actions. First, publicly call for an independent investigation into ICE's use of force in Minneapolis. Second, support legislation that prohibits state and local resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement. Third, demand that ICE suspend enforcement operations in Minneapolis until proper oversight mechanisms are established. Our communities deserve safety through accountability, not fear through unchecked federal force.