Opinions clash on ICE operations and demands for federal oversight following Minnesota incidents

HERNANDO, Miss. — Opposing views were voiced in DeSoto County this week as local progressive advocates and the district attorney traded rebukes over federal immigration enforcement and a controversial push for ICE oversight originating in Minnesota.

The dispute highlights a growing ideological divide regarding the role of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the accountability of federal agents following recent high-profile incidents.

Indivisible DeSoto Demands Federal Oversight

Indivisible DeSoto MS, part of a statewide coalition of progressive groups, announced it has joined a campaign calling on U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker to take immediate action against what they describe as “recklessness” within the executive branch.

According to Kelly Jacobs of Indivisible DeSoto MS, approximately 350 Mississippians from across the state—ranging from the Gulf Coast to Hernando—contacted their senators this week. Partnering with a non-partisan coalition known as “The Do Somethings,” the group is demanding:

• Independent Investigations: A formal probe into the killing of Renee Good, involving Minnesota state participation.
• ICE Reform: Oversight hearings regarding operational rules for vehicle engagements, use of force, and warrant practices.
• Constitutional Protections: An end to the alleged “weaponization” of the Department of Justice and a reaffirmation of NATO alliances.

The group’s urgency intensified following the recent death of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, who advocates claim was murdered by ICE agents.

“The recklessness coming from the White House… has created a lawless murdering entity that is operating outside of the law,” the group stated in a release, adding that they refuse to remain silent on the impact of these policies on Mississippi families.

District Attorney Pledges Continued ICE Cooperation

DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton has described the opposition as part of a broader national trend of “liberal prosecutors” attempting to subvert federal law.

In a statement released this week, Barton asserted that his office will maintain its “strong, professional, and effective” relationship with ICE. He credited this partnership with the safe deportation of “criminal illegal aliens” currently held in local facilities on serious charges.

“Let me be perfectly clear: that agenda will never take root here,” Barton said, referring to efforts to block federal agents. “Cooperation between local leaders and ICE is the best way to protect victims, officers, and our community.”

Barton explicitly contrasted the safety of Mississippi with that of Minnesota, attributing the difference to local law enforcement’s willingness to work with federal partners.

“There is a reason that Mississippi streets do not look like Minnesota streets, and that’s because this is working,” Barton added, dismissing the calls for oversight as a political attack funded by progressive interests.