A resolution condemning the violent and unlawful actions against Minnesotans by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol during Operation Metro Surge and calling for accountability for those responsible.

A resolution

condemning the violent and unlawful actions against Minnesotans by U.S. Immigration

and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol during Operation Metro

Surge and calling for accountability for those responsible.

WHEREAS, two Minnesotans, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by federal

immigration officers within a two-week span while observing enforcement activities in Minneapolis;

and

WHEREAS, thousands of Minnesotans have been victims of violent attacks and unlawful

detention, harassment and abuse, sudden abduction and secretive relocation, mass imprisonment

and inhumane conditions, undue investigation, and prosecution and deportation actions, causing

physical, psychological, and emotional trauma to those Minnesotans and their loved ones; and

WHEREAS, Vice President J.D. Vance, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi

Noem, National Security Advisor Stephen Miller, and Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino

have intentionally spread misinformation about these events that blamed the victims, damaged the

reputations of the dead and suffering, caused harm to grieving families, and contributed to fear and

uncertainty about the federal government's fitness to lead; and

WHEREAS, federal agents have violated First Amendment rights by using force against

individuals peacefully engaging in constitutionally protected speech; and

WHEREAS, federal agents and the President's cabinet members violated Second Amendment

rights by threatening the right to bear arms, placed erroneous blame on Mr. Pretti for lawfully

carrying a firearm, and dishonestly described the events of that day; and

WHEREAS, federal agents have violated Fourth Amendment rights by performing searches

and seizures without warrants and without cause; and

WHEREAS, federal agents have violated the Fifth Amendment by denying citizens and

noncitizens due process and equal protection rights; and

WHEREAS, federal agents have violated the Tenth Amendment, using force and occupation

to coerce the state to submit to the federal government on matters that are strictly in the purview

of the state government; and

WHEREAS, federal agents are targeting Minnesotans based on skin color alone, as detailed

by members of Minnesota's law enforcement community, who had off-duty officers profiled by

ICE agents; and

WHEREAS, the presence and tactics of ICE and other federal agents have generated

widespread fear and trauma among Minnesota children, families, educators, and school communities,

leading to a steep drop in attendance, the necessity for some districts to shift to virtual learning,

and extraordinary safety measures at schools across the state as ICE stakes out bus stops and stops

children on their way to school; and

WHEREAS, health care providers across Minnesota have raised the alarm for a public health

crisis where people, including U.S. citizens and legal residents, are avoiding essential medical care

out of fear of encountering federal agents; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota's agricultural industry reports severe workforce shortages and staffing

disruptions as workers stay home due to fear of ICE activity, regardless of immigration status,

threatening farm labor availability, food supply, and broader economic stability; and

WHEREAS, businesses in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have experienced significant

declines in customer activity and revenue as individuals avoid public spaces and commercial

corridors in the face of heightened enforcement activity and violent retaliation against observers;

and

WHEREAS, conditions at the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis have been described

as "horrifying," with confirmed evidence of denial of medical attention, nutrition, and sanitation;

and

WHEREAS, the federal government is shipping people out of state at a rapid pace, and federal

detention centers have overwhelming reports of overcrowding, infectious disease outbreaks including

COVID-19 and measles, lack of edible food, inadequate medical care, and other inhospitable

conditions. People at these out-of-state facilities are being held indefinitely without processing or

the ability to contest their case, and their right to access their attorney is being denied; and

WHEREAS, at least 14 federal prosecutors have now resigned from the United States

Attorney's Office in Minnesota after being asked to violate personal and professional ethics and

being overwhelmed with immigration cases, leaving little capacity to prosecute crimes and further

making the state less safe. In addition, at least four leaders of the Department of Justice's Civil

Rights Division resigned when their superiors blocked an investigation into the potential violation

of rights in the shooting of Renee Good; and

WHEREAS, no human being should be subject to any of these violations in the United States

of America; and

WHEREAS, Minnesota is a welcoming state built by Native Americans and a rich history

of immigration that has propelled our culture and economy; and

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce shared U.S. Census Bureau statistics

showing international migration has become increasingly important as aging and birth rates continue

to put downward pressure on the economy, recognizing that Minnesota must capitalize on

immigration as a source of future economic growth; and

WHEREAS, the actions of the federal government are not only inhumane and unconstitutional

but have caused a chilling effect on migration to Minnesota and even tourism, creating a long-term

negative effect on the economic health and vibrancy of our state; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Minnesota Legislature condemns these

violent and unlawful actions against the people of Minnesota and violations of their constitutional

rights.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Minnesota Legislature calls for a full and transparent

investigation into these offenses and demands that those who are responsible be held accountable.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President

of the United States, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Minnesota's congressional delegation,

and other appropriate federal and state officials.