US Cities and States Push Back Against Trump Administration's Handling of Deadly ICE Agent Shooting
The shooting death of 37-year-old American mother Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent has raised serious concerns about the federal investigation into the killing, and why Minnesota officials are conducting their own parallel probe.
In a disturbing display of bias, the Trump administration immediately jumped to conclusions before any investigation could begin. The President and DHS Secretary made inflammatory statements about Good's motives and conduct, while JD Vance claimed she had "absolute immunity" from prosecution by state officials.
As former federal prosecutors with decades of experience in investigating law enforcement uses of force, Parker and Trepel know that a credible investigation is essential to ensure accountability and build trust between law enforcement and the public. Constitutional democracy depends on holding those who exercise government power accountable for their actions.
The administration's claims are not consistent with what is known about Good and her actions. The Trump administration has shown a clear disregard for its responsibility to conduct fair and thorough investigations into law enforcement violence, and its remarks suggest that only one outcome of the investigation is acceptable.
Minnesota officials have taken a crucial step by announcing an independent review of the fatal shooting, despite federal obstruction. States and local jurisdictions should prepare to follow suit, conducting their own investigations and gathering evidence to hold ICE accountable for violence.
The administration's reluctance to investigate uses of excessive force by federal agents has been evident in recent incidents across the country, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland, and the District of Columbia. The Department of Justice has ignored alleged abuses of power by federal agents and excluded veteran prosecutors from the investigation into Good's death.
In response to these actions, states can take creative steps such as introducing "universal constitutional remedies" acts that allow individuals to hold federal officials accountable for violating the constitution, or establishing accountability commissions to document unlawful conduct by federal agents.
Ultimately, it is up to state and local leaders to seek accountability in the wake of this tragedy. Their efforts are crucial to keeping communities safe and ensuring justice for victims like Renee Good.
The shooting death of 37-year-old American mother Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent has raised serious concerns about the federal investigation into the killing, and why Minnesota officials are conducting their own parallel probe.
In a disturbing display of bias, the Trump administration immediately jumped to conclusions before any investigation could begin. The President and DHS Secretary made inflammatory statements about Good's motives and conduct, while JD Vance claimed she had "absolute immunity" from prosecution by state officials.
As former federal prosecutors with decades of experience in investigating law enforcement uses of force, Parker and Trepel know that a credible investigation is essential to ensure accountability and build trust between law enforcement and the public. Constitutional democracy depends on holding those who exercise government power accountable for their actions.
The administration's claims are not consistent with what is known about Good and her actions. The Trump administration has shown a clear disregard for its responsibility to conduct fair and thorough investigations into law enforcement violence, and its remarks suggest that only one outcome of the investigation is acceptable.
Minnesota officials have taken a crucial step by announcing an independent review of the fatal shooting, despite federal obstruction. States and local jurisdictions should prepare to follow suit, conducting their own investigations and gathering evidence to hold ICE accountable for violence.
The administration's reluctance to investigate uses of excessive force by federal agents has been evident in recent incidents across the country, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland, and the District of Columbia. The Department of Justice has ignored alleged abuses of power by federal agents and excluded veteran prosecutors from the investigation into Good's death.
In response to these actions, states can take creative steps such as introducing "universal constitutional remedies" acts that allow individuals to hold federal officials accountable for violating the constitution, or establishing accountability commissions to document unlawful conduct by federal agents.
Ultimately, it is up to state and local leaders to seek accountability in the wake of this tragedy. Their efforts are crucial to keeping communities safe and ensuring justice for victims like Renee Good.