The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called for an independent and transparent investigation of an ICE-involved fatal shooting in Minneapolis.
The victim was reportedly an observer of ICE operations who appeared to be trying to leave the area.
Watch Video of ICE Shooting in Minneapolis.
Video: MS Now Interviews CAIR-Minnesota Director Jaylani Hussein About ICE Shooting in Minneapolis
In a statement, CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said:
“ICE agents are not above the law. Any loss of life at the hands of law enforcement demands full transparency and accountability, especially when an agency with a recent history of brutality is involved. We cannot trust the federal government to investigate itself.
“Communities across Minnesota deserve clear answers about what occurred, why deadly force was used, and whether proper protocols were followed. An independent and transparent investigation conducted by local and state law enforcement in Minnesota is essential.
“ICE’s increasingly out-of-control behavior in local communities has long raised fears among immigrants and communities of color, particularly regarding aggressive enforcement tactics and a lack of oversight.
“Incidents like this deepen fear and mistrust, particularly among immigrant families who already feel targeted and unsafe. Federal authorities must not be shielded from scrutiny. Justice requires an investigation that is impartial, thorough, and made public.”
He said CAIR-MN is urging local and state officials to cooperate fully with an independent review and called on federal authorities to release all relevant information, including body camera footage, witness accounts, and operational details related to the incident.
Hussein added that CAIR-MN will continue to monitor the situation closely and stands in solidarity with the affected family and community members seeking answers and accountability.
Earlier this week, CAIR-MN called on law enforcement authorities and public officials to take concrete actions to protect Somali-American day care centers and businesses that have been targeted with threats and harassment as children return to these centers in the wake of the holiday season ending.
CAIR-MN is the state’s leading Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Its mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
END
CONTACTS: Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director, CAIR-MN, 612-406-0070, jhussein@cair.com; Suleiman Adan, Deputy Executive Director, CAIR-MN, 612-408-7183, sadan@cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com