AKRON, OH – January 12, 2026 –

We are deeply disturbed by the fatal shooting in Minneapolis involving ICE officers, in which a U.S. citizen was killed by an ICE officer during a federal enforcement action in broad daylight. Just one day later, federal agents in Portland, Oregon, shot and injured two people during another immigration related operation.

These tragedies underscore a reality that immigrant communities and many others across the country have long known. Individuals who are not trained law enforcement officers are being given extraordinary authority to detain, intimidate, and use force against immigrants and U.S. citizens alike. The deployment of these federal officers into our neighborhoods places entire communities at risk and erodes trust, safety, and basic human dignity.

No one should have to live in fear of encountering violence, intimidation, or death simply because of who they are, where they come from, or what they believe in. Communities deserve to feel safe and protected, not targeted or traumatized by enforcement activities that escalate into lethal force.

We urge our community not to look away from what is happening. Do not ignore it. We know that 2025 was a heavy year, and many of us are exhausted. But our collective fatigue cannot become silence. Lives depend on our attention and our willingness to speak out.

The International Institute of Akron stands with immigrant communities and all those demanding safety, justice, and dignity for everyone.