Gov. Kevin Stitt said President Donald Trump needs to define the “end game” of his immigration crackdown Sunday after a man was fatally shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis.
Weeks after 37-year-old Renee Good was shot behind the wheel of her vehicle by a federal immigration officer, 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse Alex Pretti was shot and killed during an altercation with ICE officers Saturday, triggering tension and protests across the city.
In an interview on CNN’s State of the Union podcast Sunday, Stitt called the deaths tragic and said they have caused concerns over federal tactics and accountability.
“Americans don't like what they're seeing right now, …” Stitt said. “President Trump closed the border, promised to get violent criminals out of our country, and I think everybody agrees with that. But now Americans are asking themselves, ‘What is the end game?’”
Stitt said he believes in federalism and states rights, and said leaders need to find real solutions to immigration reform, rather than politicizing the issue.
“Nobody likes Feds coming into their state,” Stitt said. “What's the goal right now? Is it to deport every single non-U.S. citizen? I don't think that's what Americans want.”
Stitt said the federal government should give states the authority to issue workforce permits.
“If you're not on welfare or government assistance or Medicaid, we need to allow an employer to match up with that workforce,” Stitt said. “Maybe charge that employer $5,000 that can pay down the national debt and to incentivize them to hire Americans, but if they need that labor, we're overcomplicating this.”
When asked if Trump should pull ICE out of Minnesota, Stitt said the president had to answer that question.
“He is a deal maker, and he’s getting bad advice right now, …” Stitt said. “What is the solution? How do we bring this to conclusion?”
Stitt, who serves as chair of the National Governors Association, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who serves as vice chair, issued a statement on the situation Sunday. The governors wrote that immigration enforcement efforts need a clear purpose to ensure public trust and accountability and to avoid escalation.
Stitt and Moore wrote federal authority should be guided by a transparent strategy that complements state and local law enforcement.
“America’s strength has long rested on a system of cooperative federalism. Governors are closest to conditions on the ground and are best positioned to respond to challenges within their states and territories, particularly those involving public safety,” the governors wrote. “At the same time, moments of national strain require clear leadership, shared purpose, and coordination across all levels of government.”
Stitt and Moore wrote that they urge leaders to consider a “reset of strategy” regarding immigration enforcement and that state and federal governments should work together to enforce laws, protect communities and preserve constitutional norms.
“We believe there are criminals in our country who must be held accountable, but moments like this demand thoughtful leadership, coordination, and clarity,” the governors wrote. “Scenes of violence and chaos on our streets are unacceptable and do not reflect who we are.”
This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure. Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
