Unrest in Minneapolis: Community Mourns Renee Good After ICE Shooting

The Outrage Following the Fatal Shooting of Renee Good

On January 7, 2026, Minneapolis witnessed a devastating incident when an ICE officer fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good, a U.S. citizen and legal observer of federal activities, igniting protests and turmoil reminiscent of the 2020 George Floyd protests. Good, who was a mother to three children, met her tragic fate just blocks from a site where the past protests began, marking a grim continuation of tensions centered around immigration enforcement in the Midwest.

A Community in Shock

The community's response to Good's death was swift. Thousands gathered in ember-lit vigils, lighting candles and building memorials at the site of the shooting. This gathering was not just in memory of Good—people chanted slogans and displayed placards demanding an end to ICE’s operations in their neighborhoods. The emotional weight of the incident underscores the heightened fear felt by immigrant communities as ICE activity intensifies nationally under the Trump administration, a phenomenon many residents claim has become normalized.

Conflicting Narratives and Public Sentiment

As reports emerged about the shooting, a stark divide formed between the federal narrative and local perspectives. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem argued that Good attempted to “weaponize her vehicle,” framing the officer's actions as necessary for self-preservation. However, eyewitness accounts and videos painted a different story, showing Good driving away when approached. This dissonance has fueled anger and distrust toward federal law enforcement, leading many to echo the sentiments of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who emphatically told ICE agents: “Get the fuck out of Minneapolis.”

The Rise of Community Activism

Good's death has galvanized local activism against ICE's increased presence, which has seen a surge of federal agents deployed to the Minneapolis area. Community organizations have mobilized, creating constitutional observer networks to monitor ICE activities and react to civil rights violations. The Immigrant Defense Network has reported a dramatic increase in calls from residents fearing for their safety as raids occur not only in urban centers but throughout suburban areas.

“We haven’t seen anything like this before,” expressed Miguel Hernandez, an activist from the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee. Echoing this worry, Edwin Torres DeSantiago, who tracks ICE operations, noted that the climate of fear has led many workers to refrain from going to jobs, seriously impacting local economies.

The Broader Implications

The killing of Renee Good intersects with larger themes of immigration enforcement, racial justice, and community safety. It highlights how federal policies under the current administration have transformed local landscapes, painting a new reality for immigrant populations. As protests continue, calls for national conversations around police reform and immigration policy grow louder, echoing sentiments expressed by leaders across various sectors.

What Comes Next?

As investigations by the FBI and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension proceed, community leaders and activists remain vigilant, urging transparency and accountability in the face of escalating violence against residents perceived to be vulnerable. This incident is a painful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and the urgent need for dialogue about policing and immigration in the U.S. It challenges us all to consider: what does justice look like in a system riddled with systemic inequality?

Stand with the Community

As this situation unfolds, it's important for all of us to engage with our communities, understanding the fears and challenges they face. Staying informed through reliable news sources and participating in peaceful protests can make a significant difference in advocating for justice and reform.