“Protesting is a fundamental constitutional right. Freedom from warrantless searches is a fundamental constitutional right. Lawful gun ownership is a fundamental constitutional right. When those rights are met with deadly force by federal agents, it demands moral clarity, not silence. In Minneapolis, two people were murdered during ICE interactions. My faith teaches me that repentance is not about words. It is about change. We have a moral obligation to change the circumstances that led to these killings, or more killings will occur. Action must now follow," said Schultz.

“These tragedies make clear a sad reality: we should not be sending DHS officers into our streets who are poorly trained and unable to do their duty justly without escalation or over-reaction. The administration has recklessly recruited new agents using hate group language and graphics, predictably leading to bullying and harm, and doing nothing to keep our communities safe.”

Schultz, a pastor who is running for Congress as Democrat in Alaska, is urging the administration to immediately withdraw ICE from Minnesota, to fully train all personnel, and to commit to no longer deploying them as a cudgel for settling petty partisan grudges. Schultz criticized the targeting of “blue” states and cities as overtly partisan and not effective. He also criticized his political opponents for standing silent in the face of the federal overreach. 

“I’m troubled by the silence and inaction of too many of our leaders here in Alaska. While communities grieve and our nation demands accountability, it seems Mr. Hill’s handlers are waiting for polling. A silence that Congressman Begich has made Alaskans all too familiar with. We need real change, not more of the same. It is time to speak up and show up for our fellow Americans, immigrants, and the Bill of Rights.”

###