Melinda Gates has issued a statement following the ICE killings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti.
The billionaire took to social media to share her thoughts as widespread protests against ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) continue across several states.
On LinkedIn, Gates wrote: “The deaths of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti are unconscionable and weighing heavily on so many of our hearts.
“Over recent weeks, in Minneapolis and other communities across the country, we have seen neighbors standing up for each other with courage, compassion, and solidarity.
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“No one in the United States should ever have to fear losing their life for taking peaceful, principled action in support of their beliefs.
“Our country is not our government - our country is us, we the people. For 250 years, we have been bound together by bedrock values, the rule of law, and inalienable rights.
“There is nothing more American than exercising our rights and holding our government accountable. Our democracy depends on it.”
Good lost her life earlier this month on January 7 after she was shot multiple times by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Good was in the driver’s seat of her car on a residential street when she was confronted by several agents.
In video clips taken at the scene, agents could be seen approaching Good’s vehicle and ordering her to get out of the car, when she tried to move her vehicle, she was fatally shot by agent Jonathan Ross.
In a similar incident in Minneapolis, Pretti was peacefully recording ICE agents in the area with his phone when he, along with other bystanders, were confronted.
In footage recorded by others at the scene, Pretti could be seen attempting to help other people and was recorded holding his hands up with his phone in one hand.
Pretti was tackled to the ground by a group of ICE agents before being fatally shot.
The aftermath of these deaths has sparked public outcry over the brutality carried out by ICE.
Many people took to the LinkedIn comment section to share their reactions to Gates’ post, with one user writing: “This is heartbreaking and a stark reminder that accountability matters at every level. No one should fear losing their life for standing up for their beliefs or simply going about their day.”
And another person added: “While some will not be happy to see this on LinkedIn, it is tremendously important that business leaders, especially women business leaders, stand up for the Constitution. Silence is consent. Listen to the lessons of history.”