Georgia Democrats escalate criticism of ICE after second U.S. citizen killed in federal operations

Georgia Democrats have increased criticism of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations following the second killing of an American citizen in 17 days.

U.S. Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock have stated they will oppose any government funding package that does not either remove funding for ICE or add protections for civil liberties.

“Massively deployed and ill-trained federal forces are violating civil liberties with impunity and showing reckless disregard for life and property. Masked federal agents are detaining citizens without cause and raiding Americans’ homes without a judge’s warrant. A growing number of Americans have been assaulted or killed. This cannot be America. Democrats and Republicans alike must act to stop this spiraling chaos and protect our Constitutional rights,” Ossoff said in a statement Sunday.

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was shot and killed Saturday during a protest against ICE and immigration enforcement. The slaying is the second incident involving the death of an American citizen to happen in Minneapolis in 17 days following the killing of Renee Good.

If lawmakers fail to reach an agreement to fund the government by Jan. 30, another government shutdown could happen resulting in thousands of people going without pay.

Before the second killing, Sen. Ossoff told WTOC that citizens of the U.S. deserve secure borders, but he does not believe U.S. citizens want ICE abusing power.

“I think that these excesses and abuses are a threat to and are undermining Americans’ civil liberties, so Americans demand and deserve secure borders and public safety. Americans also demand and deserve for our civil liberties and our civil rights to be upheld and protected by federal law enforcement,” Ossoff said in the interview.

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