Moorhead City Council members share their frustrations over ICE in the state

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Several Moorhead city council members are expressing their frustrations and dismay over ICE agents in Minnesota.

City Council member Emily Moore read a letter by a friend of Alex Pretti, the man fatally shot by ICE agents over the weekend in Minneapolis, encouraging people to continue his legacy.

Mayor Shelly Carlson says the city does not have legal authority when it comes to these federal operations.

City council members Nicole Mattson and Lisa Borgen both shared their disappointment with how ICE agents have conducted themselves in the state.

“Speak out, love your neighbor. As Alex Pretti said, caring for others is hard work. I believe that now more than ever that hard work is worth doing. I ask you to join me doing it,” said Mattson.

In an earlier social media post, Borgen, a former judge, referred to ICE agents as ‘federal thugs’.

During the meeting she said they have no where near the training that local law enforcement does.

“You don’t get to do whatever you want just because you put on a badge and they give you a gun. You still have to follow the law and the U.S. Constitution. So for anyone to think that they can do whatever they want and there’s no repercussions. I don’t believe that for a moment,” said Borgen.

No official action was taken by the council.