The recent deployment of hundreds of federal immigration agents to Minneapolis has led to tragic consequences and deep mistrust between law enforcement and the community, including the shooting death of a 37-year-old mother of three by an ICE agent and subsequent protests that have at times turned confrontational. President Trump has ordered hundreds of additional federal agents to Minneapolis and is threatening to involve the Insurrection Act which would allow the military to curtail protests and use force to jail disobedient protestors.

One of the most fundamental principles in managing any crisis — whether during a mass protest or a hostage situation — is de-escalation, a proven tactic that I have used and taught. One of the most important achievements in police training today is a heavy emphasis on the importance of de-escalation, a proven technique that ICE needs to practice. When tensions are high, as they are in Minnesota, the continued presence of heavily armed, overly aggressive federal enforcement units can escalate fear, anger and violence rather than de-escalate to restore order.

To reduce violence and build trust, withdrawing ICE enforcement teams temporarily so that tensions can cool is a reasonable and professional tactic, which is what de-escalation is all about. This would allow space for mourning the deceased woman, an unbiased independent investigation of the fatal shooting in partnership with the state and federal law enforcement and prosecutors, and community dialogue without the presence of an armed federal force.

During this cooling off period, federal immigration responsibilities could be managed through transparent dialogue, respect, accountability and cooperation with local law enforcement agencies and civilian oversight bodies, emphasizing de-escalation, clear communications and respect for all residents and their civil liberties. When federal agents return, they should do so with a mandate to act and dress as professional law enforcement partners — no face masks, no combat uniforms, automatic weapons and armored vehicles. They should focus on community safety and accountability for use of physical force. They need to build trust with residents, with robust oversight mechanisms in place to ensure enforcement actions do not further fracture community relations and follow best communications and detainment practices employed by municipal police departments. Prioritizing de-escalation protects the lives on all sides and is essential to restoring public trust at a time when opinion polls show that the majority of Americans are against the ICE tactics now being used.

Billerica’s Rick Pozniak has spent decades in public and crisis communications, and created and taught the first crisis communications course at a state community college, Middlesex Community College.