The Fatal Shooting of a US Citizen by an ICE Officer in Minneapolis Could Become a Flashpoint
The deadly shooting of a U.S. citizen by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis on Wednesday may escalate tensions surrounding President Donald Trump’s immigration policies in American cities. Renee Nicole Good, 37, was fatally shot while seated in her car’s driver’s seat. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) labeled her a “rioter” who was blocking officers and using her vehicle to resist enforcement of immigration laws.
Videos Reveal Key Details
Three videos captured the incident and its immediate aftermath, reviewed by CNN. These recordings show nuances that challenge the DHS’s narrative. Good’s killing has sparked anger among state and local officials, who warned that such violence was a concern when federal resources were deployed to Minneapolis in December.
“I’ve been warning for weeks that ICE operations in my state are a threat to public safety,” said Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz at a press conference following the shooting.
“Get the f**k out,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey bluntly told ICE after the incident.
Context of the Immigration Operation
The Minneapolis operation was partly triggered by a viral video from a conservative content creator alleging fraud in local daycare centers. This came amid Trump’s months-long criticism of Somali Americans, whom he referred to as “garbage” in xenophobic rhetoric. Minneapolis is home to the largest Somali diaspora in the U.S.
In January, DHS escalated enforcement efforts in the Twin Cities under “Operation Metro Surge,” deploying up to 2,000 immigration officers. The agency called the surge the “largest DHS operation ever,” claiming it led to hundreds of immigrant arrests.
“We’re not leaving until the problem is solved,” DHS stated in a social media post before the shooting.
Previous Operations and Controversies
The Minneapolis surge followed similar efforts in other major cities, primarily led by Democratic officials, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland, and Washington, D.C. While DHS claims it targets the “worst of the worst” with criminal records, CNN has previously reported that the agency has detained American citizens and non-criminals, often using force against protesters.
At least three videos document Good’s shooting. One shows her in a maroon Honda Pilot, parked perpendicular in the middle of the street. Unmarked law enforcement vehicles approach, with one passing in front of her as she waves her hand out of the window. Two officers exit their truck and approach her car.
“Get out of the car,” the officers command.
As the situation unfolds, the incident has reignited debates about the role of federal immigration enforcement in local communities and its impact on public safety perceptions.
