By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
Should you believe what you see? Can your eyes play tricks on you? Can emotions get in the way of making good decisions?
Depending upon who you are and the circumstances at the time, you will get different responses to those questions. There are several different factors that go into these assessments.
Back in the day, what happened in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with two people being killed within days probably would not have been caught on tape. We didn’t have the technology then, but we have it now.
These days, everyone has some type of device they can use to videotape. The phrase “caught on tape” applies to what was filmed in Minneapolis over the past few weeks.
What is so troubling about these tragedies is that this administration uses the same explanation and justification to describe every action that ICE takes. Having sympathy for the victims’ families isn’t expressed. They have no intention of acknowledging the hurt caused by this agency.
The ICE leader, Gregory Bovino, has left Minneapolis. Most believe that administration officials told him to leave. His leadership was embarrassing and just plain bad. Tom Homan, a career law enforcement officer and the border czar, has replaced him.
What will happen in the “City of Lakes” next is anyone’s guess. There was a lack of direction in the city when Bovino was in charge. Traditional police personnel were left with no real authority over their own city. Federal folks just came in and snatched it away. Maybe things will be different now. We’ll see.
Chief of Minneapolis Police, Brian O’Hara, said, “People have had enough.” About Alex Pretti, he said, “This is an individual who was a city resident. It appears that he was exercising his First Amendment rights to record law enforcement activity and also exercising his Second Amendment rights to be lawfully armed in a public space in the city. So, I think very obviously, there are some serious questions that are being raised.”
What is happening in Minneapolis has drawn the attention of all citizens who believe in fairness and justice. What matters least is your party affiliation, as both sides are speaking out.
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), the former chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, said, “I am troubled by the events that have unfolded in Minneapolis. As an attorney and former federal prosecutor, I believe a thorough investigation is necessary both to get to the bottom of these incidents and to maintain Americans’ confidence in our judicial system.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota), whose district includes parts of Minneapolis, said, “It is beyond shameful these federal agents are targeting our residents instead of protecting them.”
Americans, because of the media coverage, are getting a first-hand account about the feelings and attitudes of the people there. We are realizing that what is taking place there could be taking place in our communities as well. This is our America, and this should not be happening.
Poll numbers don’t favor what is happening in Minneapolis. Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst, Tim Malloy, said, “More than eight in ten American voters say they’ve seen the video.” It is my opinion, which is shared by many, that the shootings of Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti were avoidable and didn’t have to happen.
ICE has gone too far. Even loyalists to the new administration have admitted as such. Human life is too precious to be used for political gain. Those families are hurt forever.
As tensions mount in Minneapolis, will ICE leave the city? Can the new leadership of it make a difference in how the laws are enforced?
All these questions will be answered in the days to come. I do know that the city cannot continue this way. Right now, at this very second, the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is overwhelmed with fear, apprehension, and intimidation. This is no way to live.
