Accountability and transparency needed

Editor,

Any incident that ends with a civilian shot by a federal officer demands clear, independent scrutiny — not rushed conclusions. When Congressman Andy Harris weighs in on the Minneapolis encounter, it reflects how quickly national immigration debates can shape the story before all the facts are known.

But relying primarily on statements from federal agencies or political leaders who already have firm positions on immigration enforcement does little to build public trust. Investigations that lack visible independence can leave communities feeling that law enforcement is reviewing itself rather than being held fully accountable. Transparency is not anti-law enforcement — it is how confidence in law enforcement is maintained.

This tragedy also should not be used to broadly condemn protest or label community dissent as a threat. Peaceful protest and even disruptive civil disobedience are long-standing parts of American civic life and are constitutionally protected. Blurring the line between protest and violence risks justifying excessive force and discouraging lawful public expression.

Claims that expanded cooperation with immigration enforcement would have prevented this outcome are speculative and shift focus away from the central issue: whether proper use-of-force standards were followed and whether deadly force was truly a last resort.

Here on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, we value both public safety and individual rights. Many of Congressman Harris’s own constituents believe law enforcement should be supported — and also held to clear, consistent standards when lives are at stake. Those principles are not in conflict. In fact, accountability, transparency, and respect for constitutional rights are what make public safety efforts stronger and more legitimate.

After a loss of life, the priority should be facts, independent review, and a commitment to both safety and civil liberties — not using tragedy to discourage dissent or to score political points in a national debate.

Joan Roache
Berlin