Reactions to fatal shootings by feds in Minnesota

We need to move beyond debating why tens of millions of individuals entered the United States illegally and confront the reality that they are here [“Feds need to back off Minnesota now,” Editorial, Jan. 27].

They are part of our communities, economy, and workforce and in most cases have demonstrated responsible, law-abiding behavior. Their presence was largely enabled by decades of inconsistent immigration policy, driven more by political shifts than by national strategy.

Attempting to remove all individuals who entered our country without legal permission but are otherwise lawful is neither realistic nor achievable. This would impose enormous economic and social costs while doing little to improve public safety. Serious policy must distinguish between enforceable law and symbolic gestures.

What is needed is a negotiated, enforceable national framework that prioritizes public safety, protects taxpayer-funded resources, strengthens borders and interior enforcement humanely, and creates a lawful, transparent way to account for those already here.

A workable solution begins with a single national registration standard, including identity verification and work authorization eligibility. Registration should not grant citizenship, but it should provide a secure “Lawful Presence Card” that brings people into the legal economy and under clear accountability.

Durable reform must protect American workers and taxpayers while restoring credibility to the rule of law. Ignoring reality has failed long enough.

— Frank Morisco, Melville

Let’s thank Rep. Tom Suozzi for calling the death of Alex Pretti a “murder” and Rep. Laura Gillen for calling for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem [“NY Dems call for ICE in Minn. to stand down,” News, Jan. 27]. Unlike their Republican counterparts on Long Island, they are finally listening to their constituents outraged over the unconstitutional and inhumane activities of armed thugs masquerading as “federal law enforcement.”

— Elizabeth Pollina Donlon, Floral Park

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are trying to arrest people who entered our country illegally. Who would be against this, and more important, why?

— Anthony Bordano, Middle Village, Queens

Recorded video and transparency are crucial, especially when official narratives may conflict with what most people observe [“Feds, Minn. offer dueling takes,” News, Jan. 26]. ICE’s actions, such as wearing masks and not showing identification, have led to public distrust. In contrast, well-trained law enforcement officers prioritize de-escalation and safety for all parties, using body cameras for accountability.

Citizens have important rights when interacting with law enforcement. They generally have the right to refuse a search of their car, home, phone, or computer unless officers present a judicial warrant. They also have the right to observe and record law enforcement as long as they do not interfere with their operations.

— Linda Peyser, Lake Grove

What we have seen these past three weeks is heartbreaking — the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, the pepper-spraying and assaults on citizens exercising their right to assembly and free speech, and the detention of a 5-year-old and his father.

How in good conscience could Long Island’s House members have voted to fund continued violence? They must all raise their voices and act to stop ICE. What is happening in Minnesota is un-American, immoral, and unconstitutional.

New York could be next.

— Margaret Melkonian, Uniondale

Kristi Noem and the Border Patrol’s Gregory Bovino, who was leading the Minneapolis operation, publicly said Alex Pretti wanted to inflict maximum damage and massacre law enforcement, portraying him as a threat to federal agents. Having a daughter who is a nurse, I can attest that this calling is not chosen by those who wish to inflict harm on anyone. Nurses dedicate their lives to caring for others with love and compassion.

Clergy and politicians must collectively speak up to end this ICE injustice across America. History will not speak kindly of those who remain silent in the face of injustice, especially those entrusted with moral leadership.

— Jim Hickey, Westbury

I am outraged that another upstanding American citizen has been shot and killed by the U.S. government while exercising his constitutional rights. This must stop!

ICE officers and Border Patrol agents must be required to follow the laws of this country regarding police action and conduct. They must get proper and complete training in de-escalating a situation.

They must also be required to wear some form of identification so they can be held accountable for their actions.

— Carol Raab, Wading River

Kristi Noem and Gregory Bovino issued false statements, hoping Americans won’t believe their own eyes. We shouldn’t have to wait before top Department of Homeland Security officials testify before Rep. Andrew Garbarino’s committee.

We are in a constitutional crisis because the system of checks and balances is disintegrating before our eyes. Democracies die when the institutions and elected officials do not do what they are sworn to do.

— Barbara Kurek, East Islip

President Donald Trump may finally have a glimmer about how unpopular he is and how his policies and tactics are contrary to most Americans’ values [“Trump tries to soften tone in Minn. as some agents leaving,” News, Jan. 27].

— Lennard Axinn, Huntington Bay

Many on the right have tried to justify the shooting of Renee Good by claiming ICE Officer Jonathan Ross was acting in self-defense. Department of Justice regulations generally prohibit shooting at a moving vehicle, recommending instead to move out of the way. If Good had violated the law, a properly trained officer would have recorded her license plate, let her go, then obtained a warrant for her arrest.

— Leonard Cohen, Wantagh

A reader complained months ago about a letter referring to ICE as the gestapo [“ICE is nothing like the gestapo,” Letters, July 22]. The word gestapo translates into English as “secret state police.” The ICE officers we are seeing in Minneapolis are secret: no identification while also hiding their faces. They are federal law enforcement officers empowered by Donald Trump.

Even after ICE and Border Patrol members have committed two apparently unprovoked fatal shootings, are they accountable for their actions? They are now getting away with fatal shootings, but there is no statute of limitations if it is deemed murder. Eventually, they could be tried.

— Bill Donnellan, Baiting Hollow

The people of Minneapolis should be congratulated and appreciated for their courage and moral dedication in taking to the streets by the thousands in subzero temperatures to protest the inhuman and terroristic tactics employed by ICE and Border Patrol.

Local officials must be allowed to investigate the recent deaths and violent episodes. Furthermore, Congress should freeze funding to Homeland Security until it implements policies that respect human rights and comply with citizens’ constitutional rights.

DHS should return to assisting with Federal Emergency Management Agency emergencies and protect us from actual enemies both foreign and domestic instead of seemingly falsified anti-immigrant narratives.

— Gloria Rothenberg, Merrick