An ICE officer fatally shot a woman during an immigration enforcement operation, sparking criticism from the city’s mayor for causing disruption in the community.
The victim, Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was killed by the officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Conflicting reports emerged from local, state, and federal officials regarding the circumstances. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin asserted that the officer acted in self-defense, claiming that a “rioter” was trying to run over federal agents.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey disputed the actions of the officer, citing video evidence showing ICE agents approaching a vehicle on the street before shots were fired as the car attempted to flee. The incident took place at East 34th Street and Portland Avenue on Wednesday morning.
Protesters gathered at the scene, expressing anger towards the presence of local and federal officers, including senior Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino, who is known for leading operations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and other cities. Demonstrators behind a police cordon chanted slogans like “Shame! Shame! Shame!” and “ICE out of Minnesota!”
Mayor Frey criticized the federal immigration enforcement presence, stating on social media that it was causing chaos in the city and demanding ICE to leave immediately to support immigrant and refugee communities.
During a press briefing, Frey reiterated his stance, urging ICE to depart from Minneapolis. He disclosed the victim’s age as 37 before her identification by Ms. Good’s mother.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem labeled the incident as an “act of domestic terrorism,” claiming that ICE officers were carrying out enforcement actions in adverse weather conditions when they were attacked by a woman attempting to run them over with her vehicle.
Frey dismissed DHS’ version of events, asserting that the video evidence contradicted claims of self-defense by the ICE officer.
Since 2024, at least five individuals have died during immigration raids across several states.
Tensions escalated in Minneapolis and St. Paul following DHS’s crackdown announcement involving allegations of fraud among Somali residents. Over 2,000 ICE agents were deployed for the “largest immigration operation ever” in Minnesota.
The shooting took place near historic immigrant markets and close to where George Floyd was killed by police in 2020, as reported by AP.
Rev. Hierald Osorto, of St. Paul’s-San Pablo Lutheran Church, expressed the community’s struggle with fear and anxiety amidst efforts to live life fully.
The Immigration Defense Network in Minnesota conducted a training session for individuals willing to monitor federal officers on the streets. Mary Moran, one of the participants, emphasized the importance of taking action as an ordinary citizen.
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