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This morning, Federal ICE agents beat and murdered a Minneapolis resident at the intersection of 26th & Nicollet. This was a flagrant and disgusting act of violence.
From day one, Minneapolis residents have bravely and peacefully stood up for their neighbors. We have been met with guns when we have whistles; with fists when we have flags.
Upon arriving at the scene to preserve evidence and ensure public safety, Minneapolis Police were barred from entering. This is unacceptable and consistent with a continued refusal to grant Minnesota authorities access and information surrounding federal operations within the City.
I will continue to demand that ICE leave our City, but that is not enough.
Our office has launched a GoFundMe to support rental assistance for impacted residents in Minneapolis. All funds received will go directly into the hands of those most in need and to the organizations that serve them. Our office is standing this up to ensure vulnerable neighbors are not forced from their homes while we pursue long-term assistance through official channels. Please consider donating today. Click here to donate.
We need to be explicit about what this is: a militarized occupation by an out-of-control Federal agency determined to make an example of our City. They are engaging in a deliberate strategy of intimidation, targeting our most vulnerable residents, using the chaos they have caused as a pretext to disregard the rule of law.
If a government using military force against its own people to suppress dissent isn't fascism, then the word has lost all meaning.
I will continue to urge all residents to PLEASE BE SAFE. If you choose to attend any demonstration, your safety is the highest priority.
DHS leadership continues to show a total disregard for human life – not only for Minneapolitans, but for people all across this country. We implore neighbors to do what DHS will not: de-escalate, and to channel our righteous anger into continued peace and unity. Non-violent protest is not passive, it is our best tool to fight authoritarianism and take back our City.
Be strong, be brave, be safe,
Council Member Jamison Whiting
Minneapolis Ward 11
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