New Jersey Governor Calls for Immediate Halt to ICE Street Operations After Fatal Minnesota Shooting
After a federal immigration officer was shot and killed in Minnesota, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill called for ICE agents to be removed from public spaces. As Democratic lawmakers protest federal immigration agents’ persistent, unrestrained use of force, the demand comes.
In a nationwide television interview, Governor Sherrill called ICE unaccountable and dangerously inadequate for street-level operations. She warned that masked federal officers in cities foster fear, turmoil, and violence rather than public safety, violating constitutional rights.
The latest instance occurred in Minneapolis, where a Border Patrol officer shot and killed 37-year-old intensive care nurse Alex Pretti. After seeing a woman tear-gassed, Pretti tried to intervene, officials said. His death increased scrutiny of civilian ICE and other federal immigration operations.
This shooting is not isolated. At least 19 federal immigration agents have shot guns at citizens during President Donald Trump’s second term, according to congressional investigations. These events have killed five and injured more, raising questions about Homeland Security oversight, training, and responsibility.
Governor Sherrill also mentioned the shooting of Renee Good, a mother who was slain while driving away from a difficult situation. She maintained that these victims were average Americans going about their lives and questioned why such force was employed.
U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim of New Jersey said they would oppose DHS funding legislation without serious reforms and supervision. They say funding without accountability promotes risky activities. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will oppose DHS funding proposals without improvements.
Political conflict has also arisen from the debate. The Trump administration has ordered a review of federal assistance to 14 states, including New Jersey, as Democratic-led governments resist immigration enforcement. The move follows repeated presidential warnings that jurisdictions limiting ICE cooperation could suffer financial implications.
Governor Sherrill said states should be partners, not adversaries, opposing the financial review. She warned that cutting federal funding could hurt state economies and residents who depend on it.
Democratic politicians across New Jersey strongly criticized ICE. Several demanded that the agency be disbanded or reconstructed, noting that its existing structure endangers immigrant communities and U.S. citizens. Many said no one should fear federal agents shooting them on public streets.
Republican Representative Jeff Van Drew defended federal officers and called recent protests and clashes violent. He claimed that highly armed protesters endanger public order.
Federal officials are under pressure to explain the Minnesota shooting and other comparable occurrences as requests for investigations intensify. To ensure legal and responsible immigration enforcement, lawmakers want public evaluations of federal, state, and local agencies.
Funding decisions, federal-state ties, and public trust are at risk in this vital issue. ICE and comparable federal forces should not operate on American streets until accountability and oversight are established, according to numerous New Jersey authorities.
Sources
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Office of the Governor of New Jersey
United States Senate
