Thousands Protest in Minneapolis Following Fatal ICE Shooting
Minneapolis, USA – Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Minneapolis on Saturday night, protesting the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent earlier this week. The demonstrations, which have spread across multiple US cities, have resulted in dozens of arrests and heightened tensions between law enforcement and the community.
City officials reported that 30 people were arrested over the weekend, and one police officer sustained minor injuries after a piece of ice was thrown. Despite the cold weather, protesters gathered in large numbers in Minneapolis and other cities including Austin, Seattle, New York, and Los Angeles.
Videos from the protests showed demonstrators flashing bright lights, banging drums, and shouting slogans outside the Canopy Hotel, where ICE personnel were believed to be staying. Some protesters reportedly threw snow, ice, and rocks at officers and vehicles, though no serious injuries were reported.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised the peaceful majority of protesters but warned that acts of property damage or violence would result in arrests. Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that those arrested on Friday night were later released.
The incident that sparked the demonstrations occurred on Wednesday when ICE agents approached Good’s SUV in the street and instructed her to exit the vehicle. Videos show an agent pulling at the driver’s side door as the car attempted to leave. Shots were fired by ICE agent Jonathan Ross, a veteran of the agency, as the vehicle drove away and eventually crashed. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the agent acted in self-defense, claiming Good attempted to run over the officer. Local officials, including Mayor Frey, disputed that account, saying Good was trying to leave the scene rather than attack the officer.
The FBI has opened an investigation into the shooting. Minnesota authorities announced that they would launch a separate inquiry after reporting difficulties accessing federal investigation details. Meanwhile, Democratic Congresswomen Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison, and Angie Craig criticized ICE and the Department of Homeland Security for obstructing congressional oversight of the agency’s facilities.
The protests are part of a broader wave of anti-ICE demonstrations across the US, fueled by frustration with federal immigration enforcement and concerns over excessive use of force.
