Minnesota State Sen. Bobby Champion defended the actions of residents who intervened during a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation, saying community members were acting in line with state values while accusing federal agents of aggressive and unlawful conduct.
Champion made the remarks during an interview with a CNN anchor while discussing an incident in which neighbors assisted an individual during an ICE enforcement action.
The exchange focused on the role of community members, the conduct of federal agents, and whether the presence of tools used by residents would alter Champion’s view of the incident.
“If there were neighbors and others who came out to help this person, that is just an example of Minnesota being a place where we help our neighbors,” Champion said.
“And we are clear that the ICE agents have been coming here, and there’s over 2000 of them, and they’ve been attacking and terrorizing our state.”
Champion said community members responding to enforcement actions should not be viewed negatively and maintained that residents have stepped in because of concerns over how ICE has operated in Minnesota.
“So yes, neighbors will come out and be helpful,” he said.
“I’m not certain if they had brooms or a shovel that is to be further investigated.”
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The CNN anchor pressed Champion on whether his position would change if residents had used objects as weapons against an ICE officer.
“If they did, in fact, have some sort of weapons to use to attack the ICE officer, would that change your opinion of whatever unfolded next?” the anchor asked.
Champion said it would not, explaining that his focus remains on how law enforcement conducts itself during enforcement actions.
“Actually, no.” Champion said.
“Because from our vantage point, we wanted to make sure, and always wanted to make sure that Minnesotans are being dealt with properly.”
He emphasized that law enforcement should act with professionalism and fairness during pursuits or arrests.
“And when we think in terms of any pursuit or any apprehension of anyone, there’s a way for you to do your work was respectful and it’s fair,” Champion said.
Champion then accused ICE agents of repeatedly failing to meet that standard.
“We unfortunately have seen ICE not be respectful, not be fair, but to be illegal and to attack and to be very aggressive with Minnesotans,” he said.
He also criticized the federal government’s decision to increase the number of agents operating in the state, arguing that it has led to further problems rather than improved outcomes.
“And to see that the federal government has made a decision to attack and send more and more agents here and allow them to be, allow them to misbehave,” Champion said.
Champion concluded by characterizing the situation as deeply troubling.
“We think that’s a tragedy and a travesty,” he said.
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