John,
On Wednesday, we witnessed a tragedy in Minnesota. Renee Nicole Good — a mother, partner, daughter, and neighbor — died on our streets at the hands of a federal agent.
While we cannot bring back Renee Nicole Good, we can honor her life by standing together for decency, democracy, compassion, and our shared values.
This week, we saw thousands of Minnesotans demonstrate peacefully — sharing the message that this reckless ICE mobilization is not keeping us safe. We saw strength in numbers. We saw powerful peace. We saw a beautiful vigil.
We’ve talked a lot over the last 24 hours about accountability. That means that no function of government operates with impunity, and when someone in a position of authority commits a crime, there is someone to turn to for help.
Checks and balances is the basic idea at the center of the formation of our country, and it’s the only measure to protect against federal power.
State investigators at the crime scene attempted to get that accountability. But we’ve learned that the Trump Administration has denied the state that ability.
Let me be clear: Minnesota needs to do this investigation. These are nonpartisan, career professionals that have spent years building the community’s trust. State governments are vital centers of power and accountability — and must remain that way.
The answer to Trump’s brazen show of force is not to capitulate or bend the knee. We will fight this in court, through public debate, and at the ballot box.
Stay peaceful. Stay safe. We’ll be back with you as we have more.
With gratitude and resolve,
Tim Walz
