The German federal government has called on the United States to carry out an independent investigation into the recent killings of U.S. citizens by ICE officers in Minneapolis. The victims, Renée Nicole Good and Alex Peretti, were killed in the U.S. by federal immigration officials, and German officials say the circumstances around these deaths warrant a thorough, transparent inquiry.
Lars Castellucci, the federal government’s commissioner for human‐rights policy and humanitarian assistance, told the “Tagesspiegel” this Tuesday that while states have a legitimate right to regulate migration and enforce their laws, such power must be exercised within the bounds of rule‑of‑law principles and basic human rights. “The deaths of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Peretti should therefore be investigated independently and transparently” he added.
Castellucci described the photographs and reports coming out of the United States as “shocking”. He also noted that Germany owes the United States its restoration of democratic governance. “Democracies must be resolute and decisive, but they must not intimidate their own citizens” he said. “The enforcement of law and order must be proportionate, and the order under discussion encompasses human rights and the rule of law”.
In moments of heightened societal tension, the strength of democratic systems is revealed when state actions remain proportional and grounded in law. Castellucci concluded by wishing the United States a path out of ongoing polarization and toward renewed unity.