Minnesota CEOs issue joint letter urging de-escalation after fatal shootings

More than 60 Minnesota-based CEOs signed an open letter calling for immediate de-escalation and for state, local and federal officials to work together after two fatal shootings by federal agents; the letter was posted on the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce website.

More than 60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies signed an open letter posted on the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce website calling for de-escalation and for officials at all levels to work together. The letter followed two recent fatal shootings by federal agents amid a large immigration enforcement operation and several weeks of protests. Some major Minnesota companies had not previously issued public statements, but protests have recently targeted businesses seen as not taking a public stand. State and regional officials have filed a lawsuit seeking to halt the enforcement operation, citing economic harm to communities and businesses. Key points: - Over 60 Minnesota-based chief executives signed the open letter urging an immediate de-escalation of tensions and coordinated action among state, local and federal officials. - The signatories include CEOs from large Minnesota companies, among them leaders of 3M, Best Buy, General Mills, Target and UnitedHealth Group. - The letter followed two reported fatal shootings by federal agents during a large-scale immigration enforcement operation that has prompted protests. - Minnesota state and Twin Cities officials filed a lawsuit asking a federal judge to stop the enforcement operation, and the lawsuit said some businesses have reported sales drops up to 80%. Summary: The joint letter reflects concern from business leaders about rising tensions and reported economic impacts in Minnesota. A lawsuit seeking to halt the federal enforcement operation is pending before a federal judge; further legal or official actions are undetermined at this time.