U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, who serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued a statement following the fatal shooting of a woman by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis during increased ICE activity.
Durbin said, “As I’ve said time and time again, the Trump Administration’s militarized immigration raids are dangerous political theater meant to spread fear and advance an anti-immigrant agenda. And now, a surge in immigration enforcement activity has led to the fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis. This loss of life is tragic, heartbreaking, and enraging, but I encourage all protestors to remain peaceful.”
He continued, “A full investigation must be completed so the truth can be revealed. Video of the incident starkly contradicts DHS’s narrative, and the fact that DHS has jumped to characterize this shooting in ‘self-defense’ is rushed, at best, and a lie, at worst.”
Durbin referenced comments from U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis during a November hearing about federal immigration agents’ treatment of press and protestors: “In a November hearing challenging the treatment of press and protestors by federal immigration agents, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis said that their ‘use of force shocks the conscience’ and ‘this conduct shows no sign of stopping.’ And now their use of force has led to another shooting and another death. This must come to an end.”
Last month, Durbin along with Senator Tammy Duckworth referred actions by Trump Administration officials and law enforcement agents involved in immigration enforcement for investigation by Attorney General Pam Bondi. Durbin also directed minority staff on the Senate Judiciary Committee to continue collecting evidence regarding possible violations of Section 242 or other laws for submission to the Justice Department.
In response to increased federal law enforcement presence in Chicago—part of what was called “Operation Midway Blitz”—and threats to deploy military forces there, Durbin has taken steps against these actions carried out by DHS under Secretary Noem as directed by President Trump. He also released materials with Senator Duckworth countering what they described as misinformation from DHS about immigration enforcement in Illinois.
The Senate Judiciary Committee plays an important role in reviewing laws related to judicial matters and overseeing law enforcement agencies nationwide according to its official website. The committee influences constitutional protections and public safety through its legislative work and oversight duties.
