AFT President Weingarten Condemns Federal Shootings in Minnesota

Federal Agents' Actions in Minnesota Spark Outcry from AFT President

WASHINGTON—Following a controversial incident involving federal agents, Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), has expressed deep concern over the recent shooting of a Minnesota resident by federal authorities. This marks the second such incident in the state, raising questions about the presence and role of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within local communities.

During a recent visit to Minnesota, Weingarten joined tens of thousands of individuals who gathered peacefully to voice their opposition to ICE's operations in their neighborhoods. "The people of Minnesota are speaking to our federal government. They are saying: Get ICE and border patrol out of Minnesota," she stated. However, she criticized the Trump administration for not heeding the public's call, suggesting they have failed in their duty to protect citizens.

The recent victim, Alex J. Pretti, was an ICU nurse and a U.S. citizen with no criminal history, similar to Renee Nicole Good, who was involved in a prior incident. Weingarten accused the administration of misrepresenting the facts, stating, "Statements from the administration belie what we’re learning from state officials and what we can see with our own eyes in videos taken at the scene."

Weingarten voiced concern over the federal government's approach, labeling it as "state-sanctioned violence and disinformation" rather than "restraint and accountability." She urged the Trump administration to allow for investigations, arguing, "If the Trump administration truly believes its assessments of these shootings, it should stop blocking investigations and welcome them."

Highlighting the broader impact on communities, Weingarten noted the fear instilled in children and families, saying, "Children are terrified, families are afraid to send their kids to school and people who are sick are afraid to get medical care." She called for "de-escalation, transparency and accountability," condemning the federal actions as a disgrace and unrepresentative of American values.

Weingarten concluded by urging legislative intervention, "Since the president will not, we must call on Congress to act to create accountability for this federal malfeasance."

AFT's Representation

The American Federation of Teachers represents 1.8 million members, including pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals, school-related personnel, higher education faculty, professional staff, government employees, nurses, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.

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