The UN human rights chief criticized the use of “unnecessary or disproportionate force” in US immigration enforcement. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concern over the mistreatment of migrants and refugees. He highlighted issues such as lack of legal counsel for detainees and the need for fair detention and removal processes.
Turk called on the US to ensure that its migration policies uphold human dignity and due process rights. He also urged for a thorough investigation into the increasing deaths in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Last year, there were 30 reported deaths, with six more reported this year.
Following a fatal shooting of a US citizen by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, tensions rose. Another incident involving a Venezuelan immigrant further fueled protests. In a separate event, around 100 clergy members were arrested at the US Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport during a demonstration against immigration enforcement.
The clergy members were detained for obstructing airport operations and demanding airlines like Delta Air Lines and Signature Aviation to cease collaboration with ICE in Minnesota. They shared stories of detained individuals and prayed together at the airport. Reports indicated that the airport has deported about 2,000 people and that ICE has detained 12 airport workers.
