Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, has taken a strong stance against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in light of recent tragic shootings involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. Following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a nurse caught in an altercation with ICE agents, Cohen expressed his disillusionment with the agency and its practices.
Cohen initially set out to honor another victim, Renee Nicole Good, who was shot by an ICE agent earlier this month, by creating a special ice cream flavor. However, the subsequent violence and apparent disregard for human life that led to Pretti’s death left him feeling unable to proceed. In a video shared on X, Cohen stated, “I just don’t have it within me,” highlighting his deep emotional turmoil over the matter.
The details surrounding Pretti’s death raise significant concerns about the actions of federal agents. Eyewitness accounts depicted a scene of chaos, with Pretti reportedly attempting to assist a woman when he was confronted by agents, who then forcefully subdued him before the shooting. Cohen painted a grim picture of what he sees as a systemic problem, asserting, “The murder of Renee and the government’s lies were not a mistake but standard operating procedure.”
Cohen’s comments go beyond sorrow; they reflect a broader critique of the federal government’s approach to immigration enforcement. He warned against the implications of a militarized, “masked” force operating without accountability, declaring, “They’re coming for anyone, anywhere who doesn’t submit.” Through phrases like “submit or be murdered,” he invoked a chilling vision of fear surrounding the exercise of basic freedoms. His rhetoric signals a belief that these aggressive enforcement methods threaten to undermine the very foundations of American freedom and decency.
Moreover, Cohen’s call for the disbandment of ICE strikes at the heart of current immigration policies. He referenced the era before ICE existed, suggesting a longing for a return to a system that, in his view, was more just. “Let’s go back to that,” he rallied, hinting that humane treatment and justice must once again guide immigration policy.
Cohen also criticized those who profess Christian values while supporting hardline immigration tactics. He invoked biblical principles that stress compassion and welcome, suggesting that actions against immigrants are in direct contradiction to the values espoused by many political leaders. “What did he mean when he said, ‘I was a stranger, and you welcomed me?” he questioned, challenging the sincerity of claims to uphold a Christian ethos in the face of such violence.
His fervent remarks resonate with those concerned about the current trajectory of U.S. immigration policy. Cohen’s impassioned call for change highlights a growing discontent with ICE and its approach to enforcing immigration laws. As the nation grapples with the implications of these federal actions, voices like Cohen’s may well amplify the demand for a reassessment of immigration enforcement in America.
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