City and county officials are calling for accountability following the fatal shooting of a woman, Renee Nicole Good, in Minneapolis last week by an agent of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.
“This killing is devastating and unacceptable,” read a joint statement from the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors.
“Regardless of immigration status or circumstance, no one should lose their life as a result of excessive or reckless use of force. We stand with the victim’s family and all communities who are grieving and demanding justice.”
The statement was endorsed by multiple supervisors, including 1st Vice Chair Steven Shea and 2nd Vice Chair Priscilla E. Coggs-Jones.
South Side Ald. JoCasta Zamarripa said in an email to NNS that people can no longer assume federal agencies are acting in good faith.
“When ICE or any other agency denies evidence, evades oversight and tells us not to believe our own eyes, they erode public trust and put more lives at risk,” Zamarripa said. “Accountability means ensuring every level of government – city, county, state and federal – follows clear, consistent protocols.”
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson also called for accountability.
“The Mayor wants a full and objective criminal investigation into the shooting,” Jeff Fleming, spokesperson for the mayor’s office, said in an email.
During a news conference Jan. 8, Johnson said federal immigration enforcement poses a risk to public safety.
“Occupying cities and targeting immigrant communities simply does not make our communities safer, and yesterday’s incident was further proof of exactly that.” Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said in an email.
Although the county cannot legally impede or interfere with the actions of federal immigration agents, “we will do everything in our power to keep our communities safe, informed and prepared.”
In its statement, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors said many people may want to speak out on issues related to immigration and ICE.
“That impulse is valid and necessary in a democracy. We will continue to encourage residents to raise their voices in ways that are peaceful, informed, and grounded in an understanding of their rights.”
Here is a list of resources and answers to common questions concerning immigration enforcement and constitutional rights.
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