Protests Erupt Nationwide Following Fatal Shooting by ICE Officer in Minneapolis
Protests erupted across the United States this weekend, driven by widespread outrage over the recent death of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis. Activists are calling for an end to ICE operations, mobilizing thousands in demonstrations aimed at holding the federal agency accountable.
Why It Matters
The protests highlight a growing national movement against aggressive immigration enforcement tactics that many argue perpetuate violence and trauma within immigrant communities. With at least 1,000 events planned across the country, activists emphasize the urgency of their cause as they seek justice for victims of ICE-related violence while advocating for policy changes at the federal level.
Key Developments
- Nationwide Demonstrations: Over the weekend, protests were coordinated as part of "ICE Out For Good Weekend of Action," organized by the grassroots coalition Indivisible.
- Public Grief and Outrage: Leah Greenberg, co-executive director of Indivisible, described the gatherings as a means to "grieve" and demand accountability for families affected by ICE’s actions.
- Concerns of Further Violence: Protestors in Minneapolis voiced fears that increased ICE presence could lead to more confrontations and potential tragedies.
- Police Response: A "noise protest" in downtown Minneapolis resulted in arrests and injuries, underscoring the tense atmosphere surrounding the demonstrations.
- Federal Agency’s Stance: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended its actions while criticizing any form of violence associated with the protests.
Full Report
Fatal Shooting Sparks Outrage
Renee Good was shot on January 9, 2026, coinciding with the beginning of a major immigration enforcement initiative in Minnesota that deployed 2,000 ICE officers statewide. Her death has since galvanized communities to oppose ICE’s methods, with deep community ties emphasized in protests.
Demonstrations in Minneapolis
Large crowds filled the streets of Minneapolis on Saturday, chanting demands for the immediate removal of ICE. Cameron Kritikos, a local grocery store employee, expressed concerns about the possible implications of increased law enforcement presence, fearing escalation and violence in neighborhoods already marked by public opposition to ICE tactics.
Police and City Officials Respond
In response to the protests, Minneapolis law enforcement reported that hundreds of officers dealt with a large crowd for a noise protest Friday night, resulting in 29 arrests. City leaders, including Mayor Jacob Frey, condemned acts of violence but acknowledged the majority of peaceful protestors. In a morning conference, Frey stressed the importance of maintaining order while protesting against perceived governmental chaos.
Escalating Tensions in Other Cities
In Philadelphia, demonstrations were reported as largely peaceful, with police estimating around 500 participants. Conversely, Portland saw protests outside a hospital where injured detainees were taken after a separate incident involving U.S. Border Patrol agents. Two individuals from Venezuela were shot during a recent traffic stop, raising further concerns about the handling of immigration enforcement.
Context & Previous Events
The previous day marked the launch of a significant enforcement operation by DHS, compelling community response due to fears surrounding ICE’s intensified activities in Minnesota. The death of Renee Good, alongside increased scrutiny on ICE and federal enforcement methods, has sparked renewed discussions surrounding immigration policy reform and civil rights.
