MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an immigration officer in Minneapolis should not be solely overseen by the federal government, according to local Democratic leaders.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and U.S. Senator Tina Smith voiced their concerns on Sunday, calling for state authorities to be involved in the investigation, questioning the objectivity of federal oversight after officials acknowledged their stance on what transpired.
“How can we trust the federal government to maintain an objective and unbiased investigation, when they have already expressed their views on the incident?” Smith commented during an interview.
In defense of the officer involved, the Trump administration has asserted that the shooting was a protective measure for agents involved.
During an interview with CNN, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem evaded inquiries about the shooting and disregarded claims from Minnesota officials regarding local participation in the investigation.
Frey and Noem exchanged blame over their statements surrounding Good's death, each making robust assertions about the content of available video footage. Frey maintained that the videos depict “a federal agent recklessly abusing power which resulted in a tragic death.”
“Let’s ensure that the investigation is led by an unbiased entity,” he added.
The aftermath of Good’s killing and similar shootings involving federal agents has ignited national protests, highlighting the challenges and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement practices.
Thousands protested in Minneapolis over the weekend, reflecting widespread concern over what was labeled the largest immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities’ history.
