Maine AFL-CIO Statement on July 13th ICE Shooting in Biddeford

Maine AFL-CIO President Cynthia Phinney made the following statement on ICE’s killing of a man in Biddeford on July 13.

"Another unnecessary tragedy has resulted from ICE’s continued reign of terror and intimidation. Our hearts are with the family and friends of the deceased as well as the communities where safety has been shattered. As similar killings of innocent unarmed people have occurred, a pattern has emerged of reckless and unaccountable ICE agents needlessly shooting people in the streets, and this horror has now come to Maine.

"The Department of Homeland Security quickly put out the now familiar narrative that the victim is to blame for the incident, even while direct video evidence puts that assertion into serious question. A full, fair and transparent investigation of both ICE and the officers involved is in order, and Mainers should expect no less.  

"ICE’s actions on our streets are making them less safe. Workers, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, are facing this threat every day – every commute to work, every trip to the grocery store, and every walk down the street has become a genuine risk.

"The Maine labor movement stands with all people who are facing this cruel and deadly occupation of our communities and threat to our core constitutional rights. We stand with every worker who has been detained without due process, and now with every family that has been impacted by this alarming state violence. And we stand with all Mainers who have become subject to this hostility from our federal government.  

"ICE must stand down. We call for a full and transparent investigation. We protest this latest violence, and we call on all who join in protesting to do so peacefully. Our voices will be heard and the violence and harassment must end."