January 23- The United Nations has called on the United States to ensure full respect for international law and human rights in the enforcement of its immigration policies. In a statement issued on Friday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed growing concern over what he described as unnecessary and disproportionate use of force in immigration-related operations across the country.
Türk stated that in many cases, individuals are being subjected to surveillance and arrest solely on suspicion of being undocumented migrants. Reports have emerged of violent raids conducted in hospitals, churches, mosques, courts, marketplaces, schools, and even private homes, actions he said run counter to fundamental human rights principles.
As part of the immigration crackdown under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, nearly 3,000 heavily armed and masked federal agents have been deployed in the city of Minneapolis. Authorities claim the operation targets undocumented migrants involved in serious criminal activities. However, allegations suggest that law-abiding U.S. citizens and legally residing immigrants are also being harassed during the raids.
Tensions have escalated in Minneapolis following the January 7 killing of Renee Goode (37), a U.S. citizen and mother of three, who was shot by an immigration officer. In the aftermath of the incident, Vice President J.D. Vance defended the operation, attributing the unrest to what he termed “far-left agitators” and a lack of cooperation from local authorities.
Türk accused U.S. immigration enforcement agencies of frequently resorting to unnecessary and excessive force, stressing that such actions are unacceptable unless an individual poses an immediate threat to life.
He further emphasized that international law requires due process in all immigration-related actions. However, he voiced concern that detainees are often denied timely access to legal assistance following arrest or detention.
The UN human rights chief also expressed deep alarm over the rising number of deaths in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to UN data, at least 30 people died in ICE custody in 2025, with an additional six deaths reported so far this year. Türk called for independent and impartial investigations into all such cases.
In addition, he strongly condemned the systematic stigmatization and negative portrayal of migrants and refugees in the United States. He warned that depicting migrants as criminals or burdens on society significantly increases the risk of xenophobic hostility, abuse, and violence against them.
Source: Arab News.