Statement in response to ICE’s Murder of Renée Good and its Escalating Pattern of Violence
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2025
Media Contact:
Michael Suchecki, CPSA Communications Director
ProgressiveStaffers@gmail.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Board of the Congressional Progressive Staff Association (CPSA) today released the following statement on the murder of Renée Good and the escalating violence at the hands of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):
“The Congressional Progressive Staff Association unconditionally condemns the escalating chaos and cruelty unleashed by masked ICE agents across communities around the country, including the unprovoked murder of Renée Nicole Good by ICE in Minneapolis this past week.
“The events of this past week reinforce a glaring truth: ICE's primary function is as a vehicle for terror and repression behind the mask and badge of federal law enforcement.
“In Washington, D.C. and in Districts around the country, many Congressional staffers have seen firsthand how an expanded ICE presence — paired with increasingly escalatory tactics — has resulted in the racist, deliberate targeting of vulnerable community members and working class residents that has torn families apart and terrorized communities.
“We are encouraged by calls from Members of Congress for an end to qualified immunity for ICE agents, an independent investigation into Good’s murder, and a forthcoming impeachment inquiry against Secretary Noem for her deliberate violations of due process and endangerment of public safety.
“The true test of a democracy is not in the height of its aspirations or breadth of its guarantees, but in its willingness to defend them. The Congressional Progressive Staff Association unequivocally stands alongside communities pushing back against ICE violence. As congressional staffers, we will not stand by while power is used to intimidate communities, silence dissent, and erode fundamental rights.”
As the Trump administration continues to undermine congressional authority, circumvent the law, and deny people their Constitutional rights, it is essential that those who can use their platform to sound the alarm. CPSA will continue to speak out on issues impacting congressional staffers and the rights of the American people.
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CPSA was formed in 2021 to uplift the voices and experiences of progressive staff. We believe by educating people on the issues impacting staff and advocating for structural reform, we can inspire meaningful change for congressional employees across the country. With over 1,500 members, CPSA is the largest staff association on Capitol Hill and is growing every day.