Minnesota’s business community has been largely silent amid President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in the state despite widespread backlash, but the latest shooting death by federal agents spurred a plea for peace.
“With yesterday’s tragic news, we are calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions,” it added.
The statement notably avoids any criticism and stops short of calling for immigration officers to leave the city, which Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and other elected officials have done.
That’s despite Saturday’s shooting marking the third one in the state this month, and the second deadly one. It also followed days of reports about immigration officers in Minnesota detaining young children, arresting U.S. citizens, and forcibly entering homes without judicial warrants.
Video evidence also contradicted the Trump administration’s claim that Alex Pretti, who was a nurse in a veterans hospital, threatened the Border Patrol before being shot.
“In this difficult moment for our community, we call for peace and focused cooperation among local, state and federal leaders to achieve a swift and durable solution that enables families, businesses, our employees, and communities across Minnesota to resume our work to build a bright and prosperous future,” the Chamber of Commerce letter added.
ICE has detained employees working at the retail giant’s stores, and community activists are demanding that Target take a stand against the raids.
