OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt led mayors of cities across the United States Saturday in a statement sharply condemning the ongoing violence that has gripped Minneapolis, Minnesota in recent weeks amid an escalating immigration crackdown that today saw a second protester killed by federal agents.
As President of the nation-spanning U.S. Conference of Mayors, bringing together leaders of American cities of various sizes and political demographics, Holt directed the drafting of a statement calling on federal officials, including the Trump administration, Congress, and federal law enforcement, to de-escalate, declaring that “this status quo is unacceptable.”
This is the second such appeal released by the Conference of Mayors this week after Thursday saw a joint statement drafted alongside the Major Cities Chiefs Association of police department leaders similarly rebuking the escalating violence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis and their clashes with protesters that have now left two dead.
In a scene captured by multiple civilian cameras Saturday morning, ICE officers in Minneapolis shot and killed 37 year-old Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen and protester that had been filming ICE activity after wrestling him to the ground and appearing to disarm him of a handgun.
This comes just weeks after the killing of Renee Good by ICE agents in Minneapolis on January 7th after what Trump administration officials claim was an attempt to ram an agent with her vehicle, claims that have been disputed by eyewitnesses, civilian videos, and local leaders.
In the aftermath of Good’s killing, Minneapolis residents have significantly increased protest actions, including a citywide “general strike” on Friday that saw thousands taking to the streets with schools, offices, and businesses closed in opposition to the ICE operations.
Pretti’s killing Saturday escalated tensions further, resulting in Minnesota Governor Tim Walz activating the Minnesota National Guard and Holt leading the Conference of Mayors in a statement of support.
“We mourn with those affected and we stand with local leaders and local law enforcement courageously navigating this unnecessary chaos,” the statement reads. “What has occurred in recent weeks in Minneapolis and surrounding communities, and threatens to escalate around the country, is not acceptable. And history reminds us that it is absolutely avoidable.”
Read the full statement below:
Statement from the U.S. Conference of Mayors Following Death of Another Protestor in Minneapolis
Washington, D.C.—Below is a statement from the U.S. Conference of Mayors following the death of another protestor in Minneapolis today:
“Today’s death in Minneapolis represents another tragedy. As American mayors representing cities large and small – Republican, Democratic and Independent – we state today with a united voice that this turmoil must come to an end. No American – regardless of their views on immigration – wishes for our country to continue to endure this unnecessary conflict. We mourn with those affected and we stand with local leaders and local law enforcement courageously navigating this unnecessary chaos.
“Immigration enforcement has existed in the United States for well over a century. ICE as the federal immigration law enforcement agency has operated for 23 years, under both Republican and Democratic administrations. We restate this basic history as a reminder that immigration enforcement can exist and function in this country without national upheaval.
“What has occurred in recent weeks in Minneapolis and surrounding communities, and threatens to escalate around the country, is not acceptable. And history reminds us that it is absolutely avoidable.
“This week, the nation’s mayors joined the nation’s large city police chiefs in a statement calling for de-escalation. We reiterate that joint statement today, and the most important parts of that joint statement are worth repeating:
‘The mayors and police chiefs of the United States urge all federal law enforcement agencies to model the professionalism and care that we expect from our local law enforcement agencies. We recognize that some situations can escalate, but we urge federal law enforcement leaders to insist upon calm, professionalism, and de-escalation from their officers at all times.
Similarly, we call on all residents exercising their First Amendment rights to pursue legal and non-violent protest. Regardless of the views or intentions of those engaging in protest activity, we do not condone protest actions that are violent, destroy property, obstruct law enforcement, or are intended to incite such behavior. We ask for civil discourse and for our residents who desire policy change to pursue it through the legal and political methods afforded us.’
“As mayors, we feel it is also imperative to state today that deadly confrontations like these erode public trust in law enforcement at every level, putting our own local police officers across the nation at added risk.
“The nation’s mayors call for immediate intervention by national leaders to de-escalate the situation in Minnesota. This is not a partisan issue, it is an issue of national concern that demands statesmanship and leadership. This status quo is unacceptable, and bringing peace to the situation will require the immediate attention of the Administration, Congressional leaders and all those who have influence over our federal law enforcement agencies.”
Brett Fieldcamp is our Arts and Entertainment Editor. He has been covering arts, entertainment, news, housing, and culture in Oklahoma for 15+ years, writing for several local and state publications. He’s also a musician and songwriter and holds a certification as Specialist of Spirits from The Society of Wine Educators.
