We mourn the loss of Renee Good, who was fatally shot this week by ICE agents in Minnesota. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and community, as well as all those impacted by a system that relies on terror, force, and escalation rather than the rule of law and dignity.
The Committee of Seventy condemns all forms of political violence, whether committed by governments or individuals.
Action and community are the antidote to apathy and overwhelm. We cannot be scared to mourn and protest – being in community and taking action, even the smallest of actions, matters now more than ever. As we already saw last night, Philadelphians are coming together to peacefully stand against this.
While forceful rhetoric from our elected officials is welcome, we need them to do their jobs. As advocates and judges in the First Judicial District have made clear, the failures of the Sheriff’s Office have harmed vulnerable immigrant populations seeking justice and left them vulnerable to ICE. The Sheriff’s Office must use its power to protect our neighbors and do its job by securing our courthouses.
Join us in making Philadelphia’s government responsive and representative.