With just weeks until North Carolina’s March 3 primary, the U.S. Senate race is already sharpening into a clear contrast as former Governor Roy Cooper spoke out following the fatal shootings of two Minneapolis residents during encounters with federal immigration agents, while Republican frontrunner Michael Whatley has remained quiet.
Cooper condemned the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and called for “immediate reforms” before Congress provides any additional funding for ICE and Border Patrol operations.
“The federal government should deport violent criminals, but instead they have killed American citizens,” Cooper said. “Americans deserve answers, and any additional funding for these ICE operations must come with immediate reforms that stop this chaos and keep people safe.”
Cooper said the shootings “should not have happened,” adding, “American citizens should not be targeted and killed.”
The Center Square reported that Cooper also pointed to the disturbing footage that has emerged from the incidents. “The videos we’ve seen are horrific, and Americans deserve answers,” he said.
Cooper warned that trust in law enforcement and government depends on transparency and accountability. “I know that the public’s trust in law enforcement and government is crucial for public safety,” he said. “Yet despite clear video evidence, this administration is telling us not to believe our own eyes.”
Whatley, Cooper’s expected general election opponent, has not addressed the Minnesota shootings publicly. NC Newsline reported that his campaign “did not respond to a request for comment” and had not mentioned the shootings on social media.
Whatley has previously praised Trump-era immigration enforcement efforts, writing, “The highest function of any government is to keep its citizens safe.”
Cooper’s call for conditions on Homeland Security funding echoes that of Senate Democrats nationally, many of whom oppose additional funding without restrictions and accountability measures. Some Republicans have also raised concerns, including Senator Thom Tillis, who urged a “thorough and impartial investigation” into Pretti’s death.
As the race moves toward the March primary, the contrast is becoming clear. Cooper is calling for answers and reforms after deadly federal enforcement actions, while Whatley has stayed silent as families and communities demand accountability.
