MINNEAPOLIS: Tens of thousands of people marched through Minneapolis at the weekend to protest the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, 37, by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, part of a nationwide wave of rallies against the federal government’s deportation operations.
Demonstrations in Minneapolis remained mostly peaceful despite cold, windy conditions. Protesters marched to the residential street where Good was shot, chanting slogans such as “Abolish ICE” and “No justice, no peace — get ICE off our streets.” Some earlier demonstrations outside hotels believed to house ICE agents led to 29 arrests and minor property damage, including graffiti and broken windows, reports Reuters
Minnesota officials have described the shooting as unjustified, citing bystander video suggesting Good’s vehicle was turning away when she was shot. DHS and ICE have maintained that the officer acted in self-defense after Good allegedly drove toward the agent following a verbal warning.
Tensions between federal and state authorities have intensified. Minnesota Democratic leaders have criticized the federal response, while DHS plans to deploy hundreds more agents to support ICE operations. Three Minnesota Democratic Congress members were denied entry to a regional ICE facility, prompting lawmakers to accuse federal authorities of obstructing congressional oversight. DHS said the denial was for safety and compliance with notification requirements.
The shooting has sparked demonstrations in other U.S. cities, including Philadelphia and New York, and has intensified debate over immigration enforcement and the role of ICE.
Tensions escalated further on Saturday when Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was temporarily blocked by federal agents from entering an ICE detention centre near Minneapolis. Omar said she and two other congresswomen were later allowed inside but were told to leave while attempting to conduct what she described as “congressional oversight.”
“What happened today is a blatant attempt to obstruct members of Congress from doing their oversight duties,” Omar said.
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Minnesota officials of politicising the case, saying state and city leaders had spoken “inappropriately” about the situation. She also alleged that protesters were trained to block streets and use vehicles as weapons, claims she made during media interviews.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said it had “reluctantly” withdrawn from the investigation after the US Attorney’s Office granted the FBI sole authority over the case, cutting off state access to evidence and interviews.
White House border czar Tom Homan defended the ICE officer involved, saying the agent believed he acted lawfully. “Saying this officer is a murderer is dangerous,” Homan said, warning such rhetoric could fuel further unrest.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called the shooting a “tragedy” and criticised the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies, urging accountability at the highest levels. US Representative Robin Kelly announced plans to introduce impeachment proceedings against Noem.
Trump administration officials have said the shooting was an act of self-defence, a claim disputed by local authorities, as public anger and political fallout continue to grow.
