Ashley Siefert Nunes
WASHINGTON—Yesterday, an agent of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Service (ICE) shot and killed Renee Good, a Minnesota woman—the latest tragic consequence of the Trump administration’s reckless and authoritarian policies. This killing comes less than a week after the U.S. military strike on Venezuela and ongoing threats to Colombia, Cuba and Greenland.
Below is a statement by Dr. Gretchen Goldman, president and CEO of the Union of Concerned Scientists.
“The events of the past week have shown with disturbing clarity the Trump administration’s contempt for the democratic process and the public good with the intention to use fear and force both at home and abroad to achieve their aims.
“It’s insulting for President Trump and the administration to make claims about public safety when their policies and actions have put so many people, in the United States and around the world, in danger. The year has barely begun, but the Trump administration has already rolled back childhood vaccine recommendations in defiance of the scientific evidence, pulled out of international climate treaties and organizations, announced plans to gut disaster response efforts, lied about the violent events of January 6, launched an illegal invasion of Venezuela, and escalated ICE activity. All of these actions put lives at risk.
“The Minneapolis shooting is part of a pattern of illegitimate violence by armed federal agents carrying out the Trump administration’s orders. Nine people have been fired on by ICE agents, two fatally, and ICE operations have brought intimidation and violence to communities around the country since President Trump’s return to office. In the aftermath of this latest shooting, administration sources smeared the victim as a ‘domestic terrorist,’ a tactic of disinformation typical of authoritarian regimes. It’s beyond unacceptable.
“The administration’s actions speak loudly, and they can’t go unchallenged. Congress must take up its constitutional responsibility and hold the administration accountable. Across the country, these continuing abuses of power should be met with sustained, public, nonviolent protest and civil resistance. Together, we can reject and push back against the authoritarian tactics of the Trump administration.”