Rochester, Minn – In response to the flood of nearly 2,000 federal ICE agents into Minnesota, Senator Liz Boldon (DFL-Rochester) released the following statement:
“I am aware of increased ICE activity in the Rochester area. This is an intimidation tactic by our federal government. Yesterday, we saw an agent shoot and kill an unarmed Minneapolis woman in cold blood. Following that incident, federal agents descended on a Minneapolis high school, creating a panic amongst students, and forcing the school district to cancel classes for the remainder of the week. ICE’s presence is a detriment to the safety of our community, and I join my colleagues in demanding they leave our city and state immediately.
“Today, we learned that the Trump Administration’s FBI is blocking Minnesota’s law enforcement from accessing materials related to the investigation of yesterday’s shooting. This is unacceptable, especially as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appears to already have concluded the circumstances of the shooting and all but exonerated their agent, before an investigation had even begun. Minnesotans need to be assured that justice will be delivered in a fair and honest manner. The unimpeded cooperation of state and federal officials is essential for justice.
“It is important for the public to remember that the federal government is looking for an excuse to escalate their violent tactics. I strongly urge community members to remain peaceful and calm. We will not take the bait, and we will continue to peacefully protest the kidnapping of our friends, family, and neighbors and take care of each other as Minnesotans do.”
“When we stand together, we are infinitely stronger than those who seek to divide us by spewing hatred and lies. Look out for one another, check in on your neighbors, organize, and don’t give them an excuse to escalate.”
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