Rep. Garamendi Joins Omar, Jayapal, Raskin, Thompson & 155 Lawmakers in Demanding Accountability Following the Death of Minneapolis Woman by ICE Agents

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-08) joined Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) in demanding transparency and accountability from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Last week, an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good in South Minneapolis. Immediately following the deadly shooting, DHS released a false statement that simply did not reflect the evidence of the video recordings that exist and contradicted the factual information that local governments and law enforcement, elected officials, media, and the public had gathered from witnesses about what had transpired. 

“A woman in Minnesota was shot and killed by an ICE agent. We have all seen the videos, and they are deeply disturbing. Secretary Noem is now lying about what happened. After a year of fueling chaos, fear, and violence in our towns and cities through a reckless and irresponsible immigration crackdown, this is the result,” said Congressman Garamendi. “I stand with Reps. Omar, Jayapal, Raskin, & Thompson in calling for an immediate suspension of the surge in ICE agents to the streets of Minneapolis.” 

In the letter, the lawmakers demand an immediate suspension of the current surge of federal officers and agents to Minneapolis and an investigation into this reprehensible event by an independent agency. 

“This week, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed Renee Good, an U.S. citizen in Minneapolis. We write to express our horror and outrage at the actions that have taken place under your command. This is not the first time your agents have used unnecessary force on civilians without provocation. You have lost the faith and confidence of the American people. We demand that you immediately suspend the current surge of federal officers and agents to Minneapolis and that you work with an independent agency to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the course of the investigation into this reprehensible event,” the Members wrote. 

“What is clear is that DHS must take immediate steps to preserve evidence, bring in unbiased investigative partners like the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and ensure the officers involved comply fully with investigators. The American public deserves the guarantee of a professional, unbiased and thorough investigation,” the Members continued. 

The letter was signed by 160 Members of Congress. You can see the full list of co-signers in the letter linked here.

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