Responding to cell phone footage of a fatal shooting by a federal immigration agent, former FBI official Michael Feinberg criticized the agent’s actions and the use of deadly force. Feinberg stated that the video shows officers overreacting to “sarcastic” civilians. He highlighted that being heckled or videotaped is part of the job and does not justify the use of deadly force, citing the agent’s access to protective equipment. Feinberg also criticized comments made by politicians, and called out the unprofessionalism of the remark “fucking bitch” in the footage.
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Following the fatal shooting of Renée Good by an ICE agent, the question of whether the officer can be prosecuted has arisen. Despite the Trump administration’s assertion of absolute immunity for the officer, legal expert Robert Bennett argues that ICE agents do not have such immunity and can be subject to state investigations, as supported by case law. Bennett highlights that the state of Minnesota has the right to prosecute the agent, though the FBI’s interference might complicate matters. He emphasizes that the use of deadly force must be objectively reasonable, and the fact that other officers did not fire their weapons could be damaging to the agent’s case.
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A 37-year-old woman died after being shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in south Minneapolis. The shooting occurred near the intersection of 34th Street and Portland Avenue. Conflicting narratives exist regarding the events leading up to the shooting, with federal officials claiming an attempt to run over agents while videos show an alternate sequence of events. Local and state officials, including the Mayor and Governor, have responded, with calls for ICE to leave the city and investigations by the FBI and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension underway.
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The Idaho Attorney General’s Office has decided not to file criminal charges against four Pocatello police officers involved in the shooting of 17-year-old Victor Perez, who had developmental disabilities. The officers fired 14 shots, resulting in Perez’s death a week later, a decision that was made after an investigation into the incident. Deputy Attorney General Jeff Nye stated that the state could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the use of deadly force was unjustified, focusing solely on the officers’ perceptions at the time. This decision was made despite the tragic nature of the event and the community’s calls for accountability.
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In response to heightened security concerns stemming from Russia’s alleged “shadow war” against Ukraine’s Western allies, Germany’s cabinet authorized the army to shoot down drones posing threats near military sites and critical infrastructure. This decision reflects the increasing use of drones for malicious purposes, exceeding the capabilities of current police technology. The authorization comes amid concerns about potential attacks on infrastructure and other critical assets. Russia denies any involvement in such activities.
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A temporary drone ban affecting 22 New Jersey cities is in effect until January 17th, authorizing the use of deadly force against unmanned aircraft posing an imminent threat. This action follows weeks of unexplained drone sightings near critical infrastructure, prompting public concern and conspiracy theories. While the White House and Congress have downplayed the threat, the ban restricts drone operation below 400 feet, with exceptions for certain governmental and commercial operations. Investigations are ongoing, despite assertions that many sightings involved ordinary aircraft.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Expert: State Has Right to Charge ICE Officer in Renée Good Killing
Following the fatal shooting of Renée Good by an ICE agent, the question of whether the officer can be prosecuted has arisen. Despite the Trump administration’s assertion of absolute immunity for the officer, legal expert Robert Bennett argues that ICE agents do not have such immunity and can be subject to state investigations, as supported by case law. Bennett highlights that the state of Minnesota has the right to prosecute the agent, though the FBI’s interference might complicate matters. He emphasizes that the use of deadly force must be objectively reasonable, and the fact that other officers did not fire their weapons could be damaging to the agent’s case.
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