State representative Stephanie Kifowit issued the following statement condemning the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen in Minnesota by ICE officers this week, calling the incident a profound failure of accountability and a moment that demands national action.
“Whether you serve in the military or in law enforcement, the training on when to use deadly force is absolute. It is a last resort. What happened in Minnesota is devastating and unacceptable and flies in the face of proper training. It is a complete disregard for human life. A U.S. citizen, a mother, lost her life during an ICE operation by someone who drew their weapon and fired without hesitation. This is not self defense. It should never have happened.”
Kifowit, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, is calling for a full, transparent investigation into the Minnesota shooting and supports the proposed federal legislation to hold Secretary Noem accountable for this horrific incident.
“We can uphold the law without abandoning our values,” she said. “We can demand accountability without endangering innocent people. And we should never accept the loss of a life as an acceptable outcome of enforcement without clear justification.”
Drawing on her military service, Kifowit emphasized that authority must always be paired with discipline, training, and respect for human life. She rejects attempts to justify the killing through political rhetoric or broad accusations.
“Anyone who has worn a uniform understands this truth: the power entrusted to you carries a responsibility to de-escalate, to protect life, and to act with restraint,” Kifowit said. “What we saw in Minnesota was a breakdown of that responsibility, and it should concern every American.”
As a former substitute teacher in East Aurora School District 131 and former alderman of Aurora, the second-largest city in Illinois and current State representative in the Illinois General Assembly, Kifowit has seen first hand the devastating effects of ICE on the community and explained that the tragedy strikes close to home.
“It is clear that ICE cannot be trusted to keep the safety of our communities first and foremost in their operations. I have lived in Aurora. I have taught in Aurora. I have served Aurora residents both on the City Council and in the legislature,” Kifowit said. “This is a city where families of every background live, work, worship, and raise their children together. When something like this happens anywhere in our country, it sends fear rippling through communities like ours that it will happen here, without accountability”, stated Kifowit.
“No family should lose a loved one because of chaos, poor training, or a lack of accountability,” Kifowit said. “As a legislator, a veteran, and a member of the Illinois General Assembly, I will continue to stand up for transparency, due process, and the fundamental belief that public safety means keeping people safe. That is what America is about.”
For more information please contact Representative Kifowit at 630-585-1308 or email stephanie.kifowit@att.net.
— Office of State representative Stephanie Kifowit