300 “ICE Out of Everywhere” protests

In an article in The Guardian yesterday by Fabiola Cineas, there is a growing movement protesting ICE’s heavy handedness and lack of due process that has led to more than a several deaths.

“More than 300 demonstrations are expected to take place across all 50 states and Washington DC, today, in what organizers are calling “ICE Out of Everywhere”.

Organizers, led by the national grassroots organization 50501, say today’s protests are a response to a series of recent deaths involving federal immigration agents, including the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis earlier this month, the homicide of Geraldo Campos in an immigration detention facility in Texas and the shooting of Keith Porter Jr by an off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Los Angeles.

Activists said the killings reflect what they see as a broader pattern of excessive force, detention abuses and the militarization of immigration enforcement.”

I have not seen nationwide articles yet, but did see there were protests in California and Oregon. My guess is the frigid weather had a hand in turnout. More to come. I did read a piece that the White House lies about Alex Pretti’s shooting and ICE in general are being refuted with regularity. At some point, people have to become fully aware that the incumbent is not one to expect truth from.

Response from Senator Thom Tillis

I emailed and later called Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska thanking them for speaking about the need for an investigation of the Alex Pretti shooting and calling for the firing of Homeland Security director Kristi Noem. Here is a Response from Senator Tillis as I live in his state:

”Dear Mr. Wilson:

Thank you for taking the time to contact me. I appreciate hearing from you.

The recent death of Alex Pretti after an officer-involved shooting on the sidelines of a U.S. Customs and Border and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Minneapolis is tragic. Mr. Pretti was shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent who was present in a supporting role during the operation. This incident has understandably raised serious questions and concerns.

As a strong supporter of law enforcement, I believe when officers use force in the course of their duties, these situations must be approached with seriousness and restraint. Such incidents carry lasting consequences for everyone involved and warrant full and thorough investigation to ensure accountability and fairness. Too often, judgments are made before all the facts are known, which undermines due process and the integrity of law enforcement.

I have made clear my concerns regarding the current leadership of the Department of Homeland Security, and I am glad that President Donald Trump has decided to place Tom Homan, a career professional, in charge of the ongoing limited operations in Minneapolis. From my understanding, after conversations between President Trump as well as the Mayor of Minneapolis and Governor of Minnesota, the federal presence in Minneapolis will soon be reduced.

As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over these issues, please know that I am actively monitoring this situation and associated investigations closely.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. Please do not hesitate to contact me again about other important issues.”

Note Tillis and Murkowski were singled out afterwards with the usual childish name calling from the incumbent president. It is my belief any time law enforcement actions result in a death, true leaders step up and call for an immediate investigation. They owe it to Americans to get to the bottom of this. And, I would not, top of mind, use leader to describe Trump, Vance, Noem or Miller.