Ohio Justice & Policy Center calls for accountability for ICE

The Ohio Justice & Policy Center (OJPC) has called on federal lawmakers to pass a change to the Civil Rights Act that would provide accountability for federal law enforcement such as ICE officers.

"Once again, we see a senseless death in Minnesota, and our thoughts immediately turn to the loss for the loved ones of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. What we are witnessing in Minnesota highlights the need for accountability and for constitutional law enforcement," said Gabe Davis, Ohio Justice & Policy Center Chief Executive Officer. "We are calling on federal lawmakers to pass a one-sentence change to Section 1983 — the nation’s cornerstone law for enforcing civil rights — so people can seek accountability in the courts when their rights are violated by federal law enforcement."
 
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the country with more funding than any other U.S. enforcement agency. Currently, there are minimal paths for legal recourse for Americans to file against a federal law enforcement officer.

"Americans need more tools to ensure that people in the United States have access to justice when there are potential abuses by federal law enforcement. Congress needs to update Section 1983 allowing for the suing of federal officials," said Michaela Burriss, OJPC Policy Director.

The Ohio Justice and Policy Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit law firm with offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. We fight for equal justice and fair treatment in all stages of incarceration because every person deserves dignity after their conviction and freedom after their sentence. To learn more about our work and our ongoing initiatives, visit https://ohiojpc.org.