From Nikki Fried Chair, Florida Democratic Party

Over the past few weeks, Americans have watched in horror as federal immigration agents have used deadly force against U.S. citizens. In Minneapolis, Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse with the VA who dedicated his life to caring for others, was shot and killed by federal agents in broad daylight. Days earlier, Renée Good, a young mother and community member, was killed while observing a federal immigration operation.

These were neighbors, caregivers, fellow Americans.

Florida is a state built by immigrants. A state powered by working families and a state that believes in freedom, dignity, and the rule of law. But today, we are seeing a federal government that is increasingly willing to use force, fear, and intimidation to get what it wants, even when that means putting American lives at risk.

The lives of Alex Pretti, Renée Good, and countless others.

Every single Democrat in Florida’s congressional delegation voted against the Homeland Security funding bill that would have expanded ICE’s power without accountability. Florida Democrats cannot—and will not—support giving more money, more authority, or less oversight to a federal agency that already operates with a dangerous level of impunity.

But Florida’s Republican leaders? They’ve done nothing. They have no desire for accountability and no concern for the lives being lost. Republicans have stood silently by, or worse, defended these actions, while ICE is unleashed on communities across this country.

We refuse to accept this as our future. We will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced, and we will never stop fighting for the dignity and safety of our communities. This moment calls not for division, but for civility, respect, and a commitment to our shared values. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of leadership choices and that leadership can be changed.

To everyone reading this: thank you for caring. Thank you for staying engaged and for standing up when it matters most.

In solidarity,

Nikki FriedChair, Florida Democratic Party