Statement on Minneapolis ICE Killing

The Virginia AFL-CIO made the following statement in response to the killing of an unarmed woman at the hands of an ICE agent in Minneapolis: 

The Virginia AFL-CIO is shocked, heartbroken, and outraged by the killing of an innocent community observer by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.

"The actions carried out by ICE in Minnesota in recent weeks have sown fear throughout communities, among immigrants and non-immigrants alike, and have made workplaces, neighborhoods, and families less safe. When federal agents operate with impunity, workers and communities pay the price.

"We stand in unwavering solidarity with the courageous residents who show up every day to protect their immigrant neighbors and coworkers from abuses of power and violations of constitutional rights. Our deepest condolences are with the victim’s family, loved ones, and community as they grieve this devastating loss.

"Despite claims made by the Department of Homeland Security, publicly available video raises serious questions and clearly contradicts the assertion that the victim posed a threat to the agent’s life. This was not immigration enforcement. This was not legitimate law enforcement. It reflects conduct more consistent with authoritarian regimes than with the democratic values we claim to uphold in the United States.

"As the labor movement, we know that the First Amendment is foundational to our fight for economic and social justice: for safe workplaces, strong communities, and a fair democracy. When the right to observe, protest, and dissent is met with violence, all of our freedoms are placed at risk.

"We urge all who are protesting to remain nonviolent. Escalation only serves those who seek to provoke fear, justify repression, and silence dissent. Our power has always come from collective action grounded in justice, solidarity, and respect for human life.