Off The Rails

We condemn the Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Metro Surge and the extended ICE occupation in Minnesota for inflicting profound trauma and harm on immigrant communities and the wider public. These operations have destabilized families, disrupted healthcare access, obstructed employment and housing stability, and created a climate of fear that has rippled through schools, businesses, and neighborhoods across the Twin Cities. The human cost has been devastating and unacceptable.
The tragedies involving the deaths of Renee Good, killed by Jonathan Ross, and Alex Pretti, killed by Jesus Ochoa and Raymundo Gutierrez, remain unresolved, with no charges brought against any of the individuals responsible. These cases reflect a broader pattern of unaccountable violence linked to federal enforcement operations. Since January 2025, at least 10 people nationwide have been shot and killed by ICE, and more than 50 individuals have died while in ICE custody. These deaths represent a systemic crisis in the treatment, oversight, and humanity afforded to immigrants and detainees.
In contrast to federal agencies that have acted without transparency or accountability, the people of the Twin Cities demonstrated extraordinary moral courage in resisting the Trump administration’s brutal immigration crackdown earlier this year. Their actions earned the Profiles in Courage Award, a recognition of community strength, solidarity, and commitment to humanity. These civic acts—rooted in compassion, justice, and a refusal to normalize cruelty—should be celebrated, not criminalized.
Therefore, we call for all state and federal charges against every anti‑ICE protesters to be dropped. This includes those involved in the Righteous 39 Cities Church protest, which courageously exposed the dual role of Pastor David Easterwood, who simultaneously serves as a regional director for ICE, as well as the “Valiant” Minnesota 15 and every single group or individual who stood up to defend vulnerable people, protect democratic norms, and safeguard their communities. They deserve recognition and support—not prosecution.
Meanwhile, the killers of Renee Good and Alex Pretti continue to face no charges or accountability. This double standard is intolerable. Justice cannot be selective. Communities cannot be criminalized for defending human rights while government actors avoid consequences for taking human lives.
Operation Metro Surge and the Minnesota ICE occupation produced fear rather than safety, instability rather than order, and trauma rather than justice. These policies must end, and accountability must begin for all who caused harm in the name of fascism, emperialism, and capitalism, both here and abroad.