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January 7, 2026 (Minneapolis MN) - The Advocates for Human Rights calls for swift accountability in DHS's extrajudicial killing of a woman in Minneapolis. Happening just days into the federal government's escalation of immigration enforcement in our state, the tragic shooting is shocking, but it is not surprising.

DHS's appalling record on use of force and lack of accountability for violence, coupled with the massive, rushed recruitment and deployment of armed agents, created the conditions for this tragedy to happen. Over objections from local communities, DHS has deployed a reported 2000 federal immigration enforcement agents to our state in recent days, sending unmarked SUVs into neighborhoods, setting up roadblocks, and intimidating parents while they drop their children at school. As communities attempt to protect their neighbors, DHS characterizes any observation or protest as "terrorism" - indeed, DHS wasted no time making that accusation against the current victim. 

Democracy depends on the right of people to publicly and openly protest policies they oppose. Authoritarian governments label protest as a threat and use disappearances and extrajudicial killings as potent weapons to maintain their control. By claiming DHS officers were the victims after they shot an unarmed bystander, the federal government sends a clear message that dissent risks being met with deadly force.

DHS's extrajudicial killing of a bystander violates our most fundamental values as a country - the protection of life, liberty, and security; justice before the law; and freedom of speech and assembly. But these values are not just ours - these are internationally recognized rights designed to ensure all people are safe when speaking out against injustice.

International human rights law makes clear that the government has the obligation to respect and protect each person's life, liberty, and security. The Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials are unequivocal: "Law enforcement officials, in carrying out their duty, shall, as far as possible, apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and firearms."

And, if an extrajudicial killing happens, governments must ensure swift accountability. The Principles on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-legal, Arbitrary and Summary Executions require that governments bring to justice persons identified as having participated in extra-legal, arbitrary or summary executions in any territory under their jurisdiction. Investigations must be prompt, effective, thorough, independent, impartial, and transparent.

The Advocates for Human Rights condemns DHS's dangerous, abusive tactics that led to this tragic loss of life. We demand that DHS immediately take the policy steps necessary to prevent similar violations and that Congress ensure no further funding is used for operations that put communities in danger. We call on the state of Minnesota to pursue justice and accountability against the agents responsible. And we stand with communities across the country in the continued defense of our neighbors and our human rights.