A recent shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis has prompted a contentious exchange between two Minnesota lawmakers on the floor of the House of Representatives. Democratic Representative Angie Craig and Republican Majority Whip Tom Emmer engaged in a heated debate lasting approximately 40 seconds during a break in House proceedings on March 8, 2023. The incident, which was captured by a live stream from C-SPAN, featured Craig confronting Emmer directly about his defense of ICE’s actions in Minnesota, particularly in light of the fatal shooting of Renee Good.
The exchange stemmed from Craig’s frustration over Emmer’s social media posts, in which he defended ICE’s operations amidst a significant increase in federal agents in the Twin Cities. Following the shooting of Good, who was killed during an operation as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration, Craig expressed her outrage. In an interview with local station WCCO, she stated, “I’m not going to let my Republican colleagues get away with just ignoring the fact that someone, Renee Good, a woman in Minnesota, was killed yesterday because of these political stunts.”
The intensity of the confrontation escalated to the point where a colleague intervened to separate the two lawmakers. Fellow Minnesota Representative Betty McCollum pulled Craig back in an attempt to diffuse the situation. Craig later elaborated on her feelings during the exchange, emphasizing the emotional impact of witnessing the video footage of the shooting. She characterized Emmer’s reaction as dismissive, noting, “Tom didn’t let me get three words out before he went from zero to 60 mph.”
Criticism of ICE’s presence in Minnesota has gained momentum among local Democrats, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. They are vocal in their demand for ICE to withdraw from the state. When asked about Congress’s ability to influence ICE’s operations, Craig stated, “Everything is on the table at what Congress might be able to do, including and up to impeaching [Department of Homeland Security] Secretary Kristi Noem. This woman is out of control. She’s not there to make our communities any safer.”
The recent shooting has sparked broader discussions about ICE’s role in local communities and its impact on public safety. As protests continue to unfold in response to the incident, questions arise regarding the legal implications of such federal actions and their ramifications for community relations.
In the aftermath of this incident, the discourse around immigration enforcement remains a contentious issue, with lawmakers divided on the best path forward. The confrontation between Craig and Emmer highlights the deep-seated divisions within Congress and the urgency of addressing concerns raised by constituents in Minnesota.
