US city calls for Swiss banks to stop investments in ICE

Minneapolis - file image

The US city of Minneapolis is calling on European financial institutions - including several in Switzerland - to withdraw investments from companies linked to American immigration enforcement.

In a resolution adopted by its City Council, Minneapolis is urging banks and pension funds to cut ties with firms working for ICE, the federal agency tasked with carrying out mass deportations. 

Activists from Minneapolis are currently touring Europe to build support, with stops in Swiss cities including Geneva, where a public meeting is planned this week.

They argue that financial institutions have a responsibility, pointing to billions of dollars invested by major Swiss players, including the Swiss National Bank and UBS - in companies providing surveillance technology, communications systems, and detention infrastructure.

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