MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an immigration officer in Minneapolis has stirred significant concern among local officials. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and U.S. Senator Tina Smith are advocating for the inclusion of state authorities in the inquiry, claiming the federal government has already displayed bias in its assessment of the incident.
In separate interviews, both leaders articulated their skepticism regarding the federal investigation's objectivity, given the early conclusions drawn by federal officials. Smith emphasized, How can we trust the federal government to conduct an objective investigation when they have already stated their position on the matter? This comment came during her appearance on ABC's This Week on Sunday.
The Trump administration has defended the actions of the officer involved in Good's shooting, asserting that he acted in self-defense and to protect his fellow agents.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, addressing the controversy, sidestepped questions about the circumstances surrounding the shooting while responding to criticism from Minnesota officials regarding their exclusion from the investigation. We do work with locals when they work with us, Noem remarked, suggesting that local entities had impeded Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
As tensions rise, both Frey and Noem engaged in a public exchange of blame, each drawing firm conclusions from video footage of the incident. Frey maintains that the videos illustrate a federal agent recklessly abusing power, resulting in a fatality. He remarked on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Let’s have the investigation in the hands of someone that isn’t biased.
The fatal shooting of Good on Wednesday, alongside incidents involving federal agents in Portland, Oregon, has led to widespread protests across the nation. Activists have gathered in Minneapolis, where local law enforcement has faced scrutiny over what has been termed the most extensive immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities' history.
