Letters: Shooting doesn't mean ICE shouldn't enforce immigration law

"The killing of a woman in Minneapolis by an ICE agent may or may not have been a justified use of force. On first appearance, it does appear that it wasn't. But even if it wasn't justified, that in no way justifies shutting down ICE and the enforcement of our immigration laws. Furthermore, rioting or defending rioting in support of this is a disgrace and damnable foolishness."

"It's also hypocritical when done by people who condemned the Jan. 6, 2021, riot. Rioting is never justifiable. As with the killing of George Floyd, the one who killed the woman will be duly prosecuted if the evidence suggests guilt. But ICE must be allowed to enforce federal immigration law, including deporting convicted criminal aliens and people with clear gang or terrorist associations. States and local communities have no right to impede such enforcement. In fact, doing this could be considered seditious."

"My wife and I feel very fortunate to live in Pleasant Hill. Our police force is well-managed, well-trained and accountable to the public they serve. This good fortune is especially appreciated when we read in the East Bay Times how ICE agents use lethal force against unarmed civilians. The recent case in Minneapolis is incredibly disturbing. I saw several videos where two ICE agents, without provocation, shot the driver to death."

Shutting down ICE and halting enforcement of immigration laws is unjustified even if an ICE killing appears improper. Rioting or defending rioting in response to such incidents is described as disgraceful, hypocritical compared with condemnation of Jan. 6, 2021, and never justifiable. The individual who killed the woman should be prosecuted if evidence supports guilt. ICE must be allowed to enforce federal immigration law, including deporting convicted criminal aliens and individuals with clear gang or terrorist associations, and states or localities have no right to impede such enforcement. Local police are presented as well-managed, well-trained, and accountable, while ICE agents are portrayed as poorly managed and prone to excessive force.

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