标签： Dominica

A fatal shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis has ignited national controversy and raised alarms about escalating enforcement tactics. Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was killed on January 14th when agent Jonathan Ross opened fire as she attempted to drive away from an immigration policy demonstration.

This incident reflects a broader pattern identified in a Wall Street Journal investigation, documenting 13 instances since July 2025 where immigration agents fired at civilian vehicles, resulting in eight injuries and two confirmed fatalities. The Trace, a nonprofit tracking gun violence, reports at least 16 firearm discharges by immigration agents since President Trump’s return to office, predominantly involving moving vehicles.

The White House has defended Ross’s actions, claiming he perceived imminent threat from Good’s vehicle. President Trump asserted she had “ran him over,” though multiple video recordings from the scene appear to contradict this narrative. TIME reports that federal authorities have repeatedly invoked similar justifications in other cases, only to be disproven by video evidence.

Experts point to systemic issues within the Department of Homeland Security, including relaxed hiring standards and inadequate training for thousands of new personnel. In most documented cases, officials justified deadly force by claiming vehicles were weaponized against officers—claims often unsupported by available evidence.

DHS has controversially characterized Good’s actions as “domestic terrorism,” alleging she attempted to use her vehicle to kill law enforcement officers. This designation has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and civil liberties advocates.

The administration’s response has included increased ICE presence in Minneapolis, triggering massive protests and another shooting incident involving a Venezuelan immigrant. Critics warn these developments may represent a strategic provocation to justify invoking the Insurrection Act—an 1807 law permitting domestic military deployment against insurrection.

Senator Bernie Sanders condemned the administration’s response, calling Trump “increasingly unhinged” and accusing him of lying about the circumstances. Sanders warned that militarized responses to protest could establish dangerous precedents for suppressing dissent nationwide.

In a definitive New Year’s address, Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit declared his nation’s unwavering commitment to the Cuban Healthcare Program despite mounting international pressure and allegations of forced labor within the initiative. The Thursday evening interview with journalists revealed the Caribbean leader’s firm stance against abandoning the medical partnership that he described as critical to national healthcare infrastructure.

The program, currently under scrutiny by the Organization of American States and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, faces additional challenges from United States sanctions including visa restrictions on affiliated officials. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Skerrit emphasized the indispensable role of Cuban medical professionals, noting that 9 out of 11 practitioners in Dominica’s Intensive Care Unit originate from Cuba.

Skerrit acknowledged ongoing discussions with both Cuban authorities and U.S. representatives to address concerns through program modifications while maintaining the essential medical collaboration. The Prime Minister contextualized the dependency within historical patterns of medical staffing, noting that previous sources of healthcare professionals from Nigeria and India have diminished due to recruitment by wealthier nations.

The Caribbean leader concluded that without viable alternatives for medical staffing, Dominica would continue to benefit from Cuban medical expertise and training systems, albeit potentially under restructured arrangements that address international concerns.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has clarified that Dominica has not established specific numerical commitments regarding the potential acceptance of third-country refugees deported from the United States. During a press briefing on Thursday evening, Skerrit characterized the arrangement as a contingency measure requested by the U.S. government to address immigration challenges.

The development follows the December 16, 2025 proclamation that imposed partial visa restrictions on Dominica. Skerrit emphasized the preliminary nature of discussions, stating, “We have not decided how many people we are going to be taking. And as a matter of fact, we may never end up having anybody to come.”

The Prime Minister framed the consideration as an act of diplomatic cooperation, noting: “We consider ourselves to be a friend to the United States and we believe that we are in a position, as small as we are, to assist the United States in addressing an issue it determines to be a national priority.”

Crucially, Skerrit outlined several protective mechanisms within the Memorandum of Understanding between the nations. The agreement enables Dominica to reject any individuals deemed potentially problematic after thorough review. “They give you the background of these people, their criminal history, their medical history,” Skerrit explained, adding that Dominica retains absolute discretion to refuse applicants based on security assessments.

The Prime Minister committed to public transparency, pledging that any formal requests from the U.S. would be disclosed to Dominican citizens once received by the government.

Dominica’s National Security Minister, Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore, has publicly condemned a pervasive ‘code of silence’ that he asserts is actively enabling the island’s escalating gun violence and illegal firearms trade. Minister Blackmoore, speaking at a recent press conference, expressed profound frustration with systemic hypocrisy, alleging complicity extends from local communities into both the public service and private sectors.

The Minister articulated that this culture of silence directly facilitates individuals involved in violent crimes and the illicit importation of weapons. He described the resulting gun violence, particularly the tragic deaths of young men, as a symptom of a deeper societal malady. A critical concern highlighted was the alarming level of impunity enjoyed by perpetrators, who often operate undetected and evade apprehension.

In response, the government is implementing a multi-faceted strategy. This includes significant investment in the Dominica Police Force, equipping officers with advanced tools and technology to enhance investigative and interdiction capabilities. A key initiative involves the specialized training of 23 police officers in ballistic analysis and serial number retrieval, a program that has already yielded successes in tracing firearms intercepted at ports.

Furthermore, Minister Blackmoore revealed the deployment of sophisticated maritime surveillance systems to meticulously monitor territorial waters. This enhanced security apparatus, now operational in the south with northern expansion planned, provides real-time tracking of all vessels, significantly bolstering border security.

The government is also tightening regulations around legal firearm ownership. The Minister cited instances where licensed holders illegally sold weapons to third parties, a practice strictly forbidden by law. He assured the public of the government’s unwavering commitment to dismantling the networks fueling violence and ensuring national security and safety for all citizens.

In a significant move to strengthen the national healthcare infrastructure, the government has authorized the establishment of thirty-four new Public Health Aide roles. The Honorable Cassani Laville, Minister of Health, Wellness, and Social Services, announced that these positions will be designated at Level II within the Ministry. Cabinet has concurrently approved a substantial annual budgetary commitment of $702,836.10 specifically earmarked for Primary Health Care initiatives.

A pivotal component of the decision mandates the conversion of all existing temporary and contracted Public Health Aides into permanent, stable positions. This transition is contingent upon the successful completion of standard public sector recruitment protocols and necessary verification procedures.

Minister Laville articulated that the policy represents far more than a simple expansion of the government payroll. He framed it as a profound demonstration of the administration’s commitment to reinforcing community-based and primary health services. The initiative is designed to instill a greater sense of job security, professional stability, and purpose among these essential frontline workers.

‘The compassionate hands of our public health aides form the very heart of our healthcare system,’ Laville stated. ‘They perform demanding work, frequently beyond the public eye, to provide indispensable support to our nursing teams. Their unwavering dedication is a critical component in ensuring our communities receive necessary care, particularly during periods of crisis.’

This strategic investment is interpreted as a direct response to the evolving demands on the healthcare sector, aiming to enhance service delivery and build a more resilient workforce for the future.