Target: Matthew Evans, Assistant U.S. Attorney for Minnesota
Goal: Applaud legal measures taken against federal agent who allegedly shot unarmed man.
A Haitian student in Ohio reportedly committed suicide following an ICE detainment (in which he was shackled to an ankle monitor) that resulted in weeks of bullying and harassment. Hundreds of Haitians who had their protected status abruptly revoked have been detained and marked for deportment in the wake of false allegations spread by politicians that they were consuming neighborhood pets. This latest incident called renewed attention to questionable immigration enforcement tactics that often result in death, often more directly than in the aforementioned case. This ForceChange petition called for reform and accountability. And after months of pushback, that accountability may finally be beginning.
In one of the controversial ICE-related cases that took place in Minneapolis, an agent allegedly shot a man in the leg through the man’s closed door. The agent, Christian Castro, had claimed that the injured man and a family relative had attacked him with a broom and knocked him to the ground, necessitating the shot. Emerging video evidence seemingly refuted those claims, however. The detained men were ultimately released, while Castro surrendered to authorities. Despite efforts by the Texas governor to shield him from extradition, the former agent was indicted by a grand jury for making false statements. Minnesota state charges for assault are also pending. The recent indictments are notable because they are on the federal level and represent the first time this administration’s Department of Justice has pursued charges related to the Minnesota-targeted raids – raids that had resulted in two notable deaths. The agent could possibly also face civil rights violation charges, just as the officer did who precipitated Minneapolis resident George Floyd’s death.
Sign the petition below to support this measure of justice.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Assistant U.S. Attorney Evans,
The case involving ICE agent Christian Castro, charged with making false statements in the shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis, represents a win for transparency and accountability…regardless of the ultimate outcome of the case. These six federal charges signify that no person should be shielded from answering for reported wrongdoing. If law enforcement is to succeed in its mission of protecting communities, trust is essential.
Thank you for your efforts to ensure and secure a just outcome.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Elijah O’ Donnell
