LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently announced that her office charged a 50-year-old Bronson man after allegedly making threats to “start hunting” Republicans.
“Threats against elected officials” vs. ICE officials.
“Threats against elected officials are serious crimes that can have severe consequences,” Nessel said in a press release about the charges faced by the Branch County man. “Public officials must be able to carry out their roles without fear, and my office will continue to hold those who threaten to harm others accountable.”
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However, Nessel’s stance on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken a different tone.
The AG has set up a reporting form for residents to send in videos and pictures of ICE activities around the state. Critics have called it a “snitch line.”
Nessel said, “What we are seeing from federal immigration agents across the country has been deeply concerning.” She continued, “In Michigan, we do not, and will not tolerate harmful, illegal actions against our residents, and I will not hesitate to uphold the law. That includes investigating unlawful actions perpetrated by a federal officer in our state. This new form allows Michiganders to report alleged misconduct right to my office.”
ICE in Minneapolis.
In late January, ICE agents were engaged in violent clashes with protesters in Minneapolis. Two protesters were shot and killed during the struggles.
Nessel, the top law enforcement official in the state, promoted more protesting in the volatile city.
“Minnesota residents are standing up against this hostile takeover of their communities and showing the world what it looks like to stand in the face of power,” Nessel posted on social media. “I encourage everyone protesting in solidarity with them to continue to do so peacefully and lawfully.”
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While Nessel said she wanted peaceful protesting, that wasn’t what was happening in Minneapolis.
At the time of her comments, self-identified Antifa member Kyle Wagner allegedly posted videos encouraging protesters to “hunt” ICE agents while threatening to kill and assault federal law enforcement officers. Officials arrested Wagner in Minneapolis on Feb. 5.
Nessel led a coalition of 21 attorneys general that sent a letter to Congress asking that ICE agents not be able to cover their faces to conceal their identities and requiring them to show their identification while working.
