He accused federal agents of deploying “unprecedented tactics” that, he said, have been used to intimidate and harass citizens rather than protect public safety. In recent weeks, anger has grown after videos circulated online showing masked ICE recruits and other federal personnel conducting operations that critics say feel more like military-style intimidation than law enforcement. Obama echoed those concerns, calling the conduct “embarrassing, lawless and cruel,” repeating language previously used by a former top Department of Homeland Security lawyer who had condemned similar practices.
Obama also took aim at official explanations offered in the immediate aftermath of the shootings. He said the public narrative around the deaths of Pretti and Good appeared to be issued without meaningful investigative grounding and, in some cases, seemed to be contradicted by available footage. Without directly declaring guilt, he warned against rushing to justify lethal force through statements designed to shape public perception before evidence can be properly assessed. Continue reading…