Former US President Barack Obama, in a recent long-form interview, spoke about acts of violence and shooting incidents attributed to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota, which resulted in the deaths of Renee Jude and Alex Britt and sparked widespread public outrage. Obama also addressed the general situation in the country, expressing his strong disapproval of the actions of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, emphasizing that these practices do not reflect the image of the country that Americans know. During his appearance on a podcast hosted by journalist and political commentator Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama discussed what he considered the 'unprecedented nature' of the measures taken by ICE, noting the widespread deployment of over 2,000 agents as part of an operation named 'Metro Serge' in Minnesota. He pointed out that this large-scale deployment was carried out without clear directives or specific training programs to justify the presence of such a large number of agents in the state. Obama stated that the actions of some federal agents are 'extremely concerning' and described them as 'extremely dangerous,' citing reports of federal agents forcibly entering homes, provoking families by exploiting the presence of children, and using tear gas against crowds that had committed no legal infractions, merely being in public spaces. The former US President considered such practices a clear disregard for individuals' rights, freedoms, and dignity, warning against overreach by law enforcement. Obama affirmed that the American public's rejection of the 'Metro Serge' operation reflects their attachment to a different vision of America, stating, 'What happened does not represent the America we believe in and know.' He noted that the local community showed remarkable solidarity, with individuals providing food supplies to affected families, escorting children to school to ensure their safety, and organizing peaceful protests to express their disapproval. He added that the American people's continued expression of their views, despite harsh weather conditions and sub-zero temperatures, is a source of hope. Obama emphasized that restoring values, norms, the rule of law, and morality requires public consciousness and collective vigilance, and that people must raise their voices in rejection and say 'enough.' In response, White House Press Secretary Abigail Jackson issued a statement to CBS News, praising the performance of ICE agents, stating they are moving with courage and determination to enforce the law and protect American communities from undocumented immigrants who may pose a threat to public safety. She said blaming law enforcement agencies instead of criminals is biased against the law and the interests of society. Meanwhile, the head of border protection, Tom Homan, announced the end of the 'Metro Serge' operation in Minnesota, with the withdrawal of federal agents from the state. He explained that the decision came after reviewing two key factors: the large number of arrests on charges related to public safety threats and a significant decrease in the need for rapid response team intervention due to a decline in the activity of 'agitators.' When asked about a racist video posted by President Donald Trump, Obama did not give a direct response but referred to his travels across the country and meetings with people who remain committed to the values of ethics, respect, and kindness. He expressed his belief that the majority of the American people do not support this kind of rhetoric and did not approve of what happened in Minnesota. Obama confirmed that the ultimate solution will come from the American people themselves, stressing that change depends on the will of American citizens and their commitment to the values they believe in.
