The Latino Action Network of New Jersey is alarmed by the escalating violence perpetrated by federal agents in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol Protection (CBP), both agencies that operate under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). We are disheartened by the current federal administration’s direction over these agencies, and by their expanding chaos and violence that are threatening the peace and safety of American communities.

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old American citizen and nurse at a hospital of Veteran Affairs, was beaten by several federal agents, then shot multiple times and killed in Minnesota on January 24. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. This is the second deadly shooting of an American citizen by federal agents this year, following the tragic killing of Renee Good just two weeks before. This is in addition to the arrest and detention of a 5-year-old child and a 2-year toddler, and countless civilians brutalized with excessive force in Minnesota, including people with physical and developmental disabilities. This outrageous abuse of power must stop now.

“ICE and this administration are causing irreparable harm to innocent people and American communities. This violence must stop immediately, ICE must be terminated, and perpetrators of violence must be held accountable. Most Americans see their immigrant neighbors as being good for the prosperity of our communities and core to who we are as a nation. There must be a better and more humane way.”

– Dr. Germán A. Cadenas, Chair of Latino Action Network’s Immigration Committee

Since the start of the current administration, more than 30 civilians have died at the hands of federal agents, including in detention centers that are notorious for inhumane treatment. Individuals in detention have endured poor nutrition, physical and sexual abuse. More than 170 American citizens have been detained by federal agents in the past year. Federal agents have entered homes, schools, hospitals, courts, and places of worship, engaging in racial profiling to detain people without due process. Immigrants who hold a range of immigration statuses, or who are following legal procedures to advocate their case before the law, have been detained and deported unjustly. Most of these civilians detained have had no criminal records. There is a clear pattern of violence by federal agents in these agencies, which have become lawless and a threat to American communities.

The Latino Action Network stands alongside the majority of Americans who disapprove of the way that immigration enforcement is being conducted. We call on elected officials and community members to:

1. Stop funding ICE and CBP. We support the position of both NJ Senators in voting against funding these lawless agencies. We ask that Congressional leaders move toward the abolishment of ICE and the impeachment of incompetent leadership. All perpetrators of violence must be held accountable for the harm they are causing individual, families, and communities.
2. Strengthen Protections for Immigrants in New Jersey. We ask that Governor Mikie Sherrill’s administration faithfully implements the Safe Communities Act to protect sensitive locations from ICE. We also ask that this new state administration works closely with state legislators and community advocates to pass new legislation to expand restrictions on local law enforcement cooperation with ICE and CBP.
3. Continue to Peacefully Express Disapproval and Support Community Organizing. Policymakers, community leaders, and everyday New Jerseyans can use their first amendment rights to continue expressing disapproval over the violence perpetrated by federal agents. We call on community members to continue to support each other, to build safety in our neighborhood and institutions, and to become involved in peaceful community organizing and advocacy.