Statement on Minneapolis ICE killing

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham made the following statement in response to the killing of an unarmed woman at the hands of an ICE agent in Minneapolis this morning:

“Minnesota’s Labor Movement is shocked, heartbroken and angry over the murder of an innocent observer by an ICE agent in Minneapolis today. The reckless actions we’ve seen from ICE in Minnesota these last few weeks are striking fear in the hearts of Minnesotans---both immigrants and anyone who dares to dissent---and making communities less safe for workers and families.

“We stand in solidarity with committed residents who find the courage every day to protect their immigrant neighbors and coworkers from ICE agents violently trampling our constitutional rights. Our hearts are especially with the victim's family and loved ones. 

“Contrary to the Department of Homeland Security’s statement, the video clearly shows the victim did not present a threat to the agent’s life. This is not immigration enforcement nor is it law enforcement. This is the kind of behavior we expect from a dangerous and authoritarian regime, not the United States of America.

“As a Labor Movement, the first amendment is essential to our mission of bringing economic and social justice to our workplaces, community, state, and nation. Left unchecked, today’s actions pose a dire threat to our precious freedoms.

“We are encouraged that Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will be conducting a full investigation to seek justice for this crime. The Minnesota AFL-CIO joins with our many elected officials in calling for ICE to leave Minnesota – they are making our communities less safe.

"We urge all protests to remain nonviolent. The Trump Administration wants to provoke Minnesotans and escalate the situation. Do not give them the opportunity."