The Urgent Need for Independent Oversight in ICE Shootings

When an ICE officer fatally shot a man during a traffic stop in Biddeford, Maine, federal officials quickly promised an investigation. But confidence in the process is a concern. Federal control over investigations into their own deadly force undermines transparency and accountability.

In Houston, the family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo mourned after another fatal ICE shooting. They called for an independent investigation. Federal authorities refused, prompting local officials to start their own review. This should not rely on grieving families or public pressure. Yet, federal refusal to permit independent oversight leads to the perception that immigration authorities operate by different rules.

In Minneapolis, after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, calls for independent investigation went unanswered. Federal officials acknowledged the need for independent involvement but took no action to solve the issue. They didn’t cooperate with state investigations.

If similar control continues in Biddeford, vague promises of transparency will increase public suspicion. After two fatal ICE shootings in under a week, Americans see an unchanged system. Despite leadership changes and statements on accountability, the system stays the same. These events were sadly predictable.

The government continued its deportation campaign without addressing prior concerns. This pattern is alarming. The rule of law relies not only on enforcement but also on adhering to limits, standards, and accountability.

Details from Houston highlight why independent oversight is vital. Bystander videos and witness accounts conflict with official descriptions, such as whether Salgado’s van struck the ICE vehicle. Witnesses were detained and pressured to self-deport before they could give full statements. These discrepancies call for external review. Past allegations against officers often fell apart, damaging public trust.

The decisions made now by federal officials will shape the future. History shows that internal investigations alone cannot restore trust. Publicized controversies led police departments to adopt stronger oversight and independent investigations. Federal immigration authorities face the same choice.

Independent investigations can’t undo past events, but they can rebuild confidence. Trust that the federal government holds itself to the same standards as other agencies is needed. Without this, each new shooting is seen as part of a broader problem challenging the rule of law.

Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.) is a 21-year police veteran and executive director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, a nonprofit supporting policies that improve public safety and police-community relations.