The complaint accuses lieutenant Doyle, who became Veliz’s supervisor in October 4th of 2005 of harassing actions and threats against Veliz. The civil action establishes a direct relationship between Veliz's work on behalf of the Hispanic community and a number of consistent threats, harassment and comments against Veliz. It goes even further accusing the Minneapolis police department of refusing to implement the federal mediation agreement and ignoring the federal recommendations on diversifying the police department. Sergeant Veliz has received support for his action from members of the African American community and the committee that negotiated the mediation agreement in 2003.
Several members of Minneapolis communities of color will be making a public presentation of the lawsuit tomorrow Wednesday October 19th in a press conference in Ancient Market Plaza (Franklin Avenue between 11th and 13th).