What Should Americans Do Now?

"The killings in Minneapolis of Renee Good and Alex Pretti have been compared to the murder of George Floyd, because they all happened within a few miles of one another, and because of the outrage they inspired. There's an important difference, though: In 2020 the United States was in turmoil, but it was still a state of law. Floyd's death was followed by investigation, trial, and verdict-by justice. The Minneapolis Police Department was held accountable and ultimately made to reform."

"No one should expect justice for Good and Pretti. Today, nothing stands in the way of the brutal tactics of ICE and the Border Patrol. While President Trump seems to be trying to defuse the mayhem he's caused by reassigning a top commander, he is not withdrawing the federal agents from the state or allowing local authorities to investigate, let alone prosecute, them for their actions."

"Authoritarianism doesn't disappear with the news cycle. The administration's automatic lies about the killings and slander of the victims are less a cover-up of facts than a display of utter contempt for them. Trump, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, FBI Director Kash Patel, and other top officials seem to invite incredulity as a way to flex their power: We say black is white. Agree or you're a criminal."

Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed in Minneapolis near where George Floyd died, and their killings provoked public outrage. In 2020 the United States still largely operated under the rule of law, and Floyd's death produced investigation, trial, and accountability, prompting reforms at the Minneapolis Police Department. Today federal agents such as ICE and the Border Patrol exercise brutal tactics with virtually no local accountability, and federal leaders block investigations or prosecutions. Administration lies and slanders toward victims signal contempt and a deliberate display of power. Officials invoke force and "iron laws" to justify domestic governance and suppress dissent.

Read at The Atlantic