Looney, Duff Condemn Fatal Shooting by ICE Agents in Minnesota

HARTFORD — Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement today in response to reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents fatally shot a man in Minnesota:

“We are shocked, appalled, and angered by today’s fatal shooting of a man by ICE agents in Minnesota. This tragic loss of life is yet another demonstration of a dangerous escalation in federal tactics and a disturbing manifestation of authoritarian power. No immigration enforcement operation should end in death, nevermind a cold-blooded murder like the initial video indicates. This is not who we are as a nation.

“We call on our Republican colleagues in the General Assembly to join us in condemning this violent abuse of federal power. Now is the time for all elected officials, regardless of party, to stand together against the dangerous buildup of secret police and militarization of immigration enforcement and to speak with moral clarity against federal overreach that costs innocent lives.

“Unfortunately, based on past experience, we expect our Republican colleagues will once again remain silent on this clear abuse of power, or worse, attempt to deflect attention to entirely unrelated matters rather than confronting what is plainly wrong. We hope this time will be different. We hope they will find the courage to put principle before politics and join us in demanding an end to these violent abuses of power. The people of Connecticut deserve leaders who have the courage to speak out against injustice, even when it’s politically inconvenient.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193