Letter to the Editor - Gratuitous Lethal Force

We hike Pulpit Rock for the views — and for the stories waiting at the top. Support Decorah News today. Dear Editor, The devastating killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis shows just how far the rule of law is divorced from the brutalist tactics of ICE. While I saw in the death of Renee Good murder as well, with no vehicle and no hand on his gun, even some Republicans are beginning to question what justified the execution of Pretti on a lively street in South Minneapolis. Bystander accounts tell of a chilling scene of ICE agents counting bullet wounds rather than attempting to render lifesaving aid, aid that was doomed to fail given the gratuitous lethal force that was employed not in the name of public safety and careful law enforcement but simply in the name of rage and an utter disregard for human life when those humans disagree with ICE. While I do not know what it is like to work in such tense situations, clearly the training and the mentality of many of the agents in Minneapolis is straight out of a dystopian novel and not adhering to standards and practices of ethical law enforcement who know that emotional maturity and restraint are requirements of their very important jobs. While I agree that immigrants without proper documentation who have committed violent crimes ought to be deported, ICE is not following that route but engaging in abusive, coercive tactics that have swept up peaceful people who have contributed greatly to their communities. Many of these individuals have been improperly and unconstitutionally detained, including U.S. citizens. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller's guiding faux principle that "Might Makes Right" is ethically and legally unsound and morally repugnant. There must be a seismic shift in perspective by this administration and by ICE to recognize that immigrants, whatever their status, and that protestors peacefully expressing their views in support of their neighbors are all human beings whose lives have intrinsic value and that all constitutional and legal protections apply to them. This shift must come before more lawless tragedy visits Minnesota. Jenny KudererGoodview, Minn. Together, we build a stronger Decorah—contribute your voice by submitting a letter today!