NEW ORLEANS, LA — Councilmember Lesli Harris released the following statement in response to fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis and the continued presence of CBP and ICE in New Orleans.

“Over the past several weeks, New Orleanians have shown exactly who we are. In the face of an increased CBP and ICE presence, our city has responded with unity, compassion, and a community-driven commitment to protect one another. Neighbors are stepping up. Faith leaders, advocates, and families are supporting each other. Our community is making clear that we will not be divided by fear or intimidation.

I am horrified by the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis woman, who was shot and killed by an ICE agent during a federal enforcement operation yesterday. Early eyewitness accounts make clear she posed no threat to anyone. This could have happened here. Frankly, it could have happened anywhere in America right now — and that is what horrifies me most.

Here in New Orleans, residents deserve answers. How many ‘worst of the worst’ individuals has the “Catahoula Crunch” operation actually identified in our region? How long do CPB and others intend to remain? The reality is that they will not meet their arbitrary 5,000-person arrest target. Instead, what we are seeing is working people, families, and even U.S. citizens caught up in this political theatre.

New Orleans is standing together to say: we reject these fear-based tactics, we stand with our immigrant neighbors, and we will continue to demand dignity, transparency, and respect for constitutional rights.”