Minneapolis: Tens of thousands of people marched through Minneapolis on Saturday to protest the fatal shooting of Renee Good, 37, by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, part of over 1,000 rallies planned nationwide this weekend against federal deportation operations.
Despite freezing winds, the massive turnout reflected public outrage over the incident, which has drawn sharply contrasting accounts from Minnesota Democratic leaders and the federal government. Demonstrators, led by Indigenous Mexican dancers, marched toward the residential street where Good was shot in her car, chanting slogans like “Abolish ICE” and “No justice, no peace — get ICE off our streets.”
Minnesota officials described the shooting as unjustified, citing bystander video showing Good’s car turning away from the officer. DHS, which oversees ICE, maintained that the agent acted in self-defense after Good drove toward him, following instructions to exit her vehicle. The shooting occurred shortly after some 2,000 federal officers were deployed in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area in what DHS called its largest operation ever, escalating tensions between state and federal authorities.
The nationwide protests, organised under the banner “ICE Out For Good”, have been largely peaceful, though minor property damage and 29 arrests were reported at Minneapolis hotels. Similar demonstrations took place in Philadelphia, Manhattan, and other cities, highlighting broad public concern over ICE’s actions.
Minnesota congressional Democrats attempted to visit a regional ICE facility but were denied entry, citing federal law restrictions. Representative Angie Craig called the denial illegal, stating that oversight of detainee conditions is a critical congressional responsibility. DHS said the denial was for safety and compliance with agency policies.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised the mostly peaceful nature of the protests and warned that any illegal activity would be addressed by law enforcement. “We will not counter chaos with chaos,” he said.
The protests underscore the heightened scrutiny on ICE operations and the ongoing debate over federal immigration enforcement in the United States.
