Massive Anti-ICE Protests Erupt in Minneapolis
Thousands of people returned to the streets of Minneapolis on Saturday night to protest the killing of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, whom an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot earlier in the week. Protesters demonstrated despite freezing temperatures, while similar anti-ICE rallies took place in cities such as Austin, Seattle, New York and Los Angeles.
Minneapolis police reported that officers arrested around 30 people during the weekend protests. Demonstrators threw ice, snow and rocks at police officers and vehicles, injuring one officer slightly. Police said the officer did not require medical treatment. Authorities estimated that tens of thousands attended the “ICE Out of Minnesota” march, which began at Powderhorn Park. Mayor Jacob Frey described the protest as peaceful.
On Friday night, protesters gathered outside the Canopy Hotel, where ICE agents were believed to be staying. Police declared the gathering an unlawful assembly after several hundred people arrived and some forced their way into the hotel through an alley entrance. Videos online showed protesters shining bright lights, blowing whistles and beating drums. Officials later confirmed damage to another hotel, including broken windows and graffiti.
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Political Tensions Rise as Investigations Continue
The Trump administration stated that the ICE agent who fired the shots acted in self-defence. Local officials strongly rejected that claim, insisting that Good posed no threat. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem later described the incident as an act of “domestic terrorism,” arguing that Good used her vehicle as a weapon. Mayor Frey countered this claim, saying video footage showed that the woman was attempting to turn her car around and leave the scene.
Minnesota Democratic Congresswomen Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison and Angie Craig attempted to inspect an ICE facility in Minneapolis on Saturday. ICE officials initially allowed them inside but later ordered them to leave. The lawmakers accused ICE and the Department of Homeland Security of blocking congressional oversight. A new DHS policy now requires lawmakers to provide seven days’ notice before visiting ICE facilities.
Video footage of the shooting shows ICE agents approaching Good’s vehicle and ordering her to exit. As the car began to move, one agent pointed his gun and fired several shots. The vehicle then drove away and crashed nearby. Good’s wife said the couple had gone to the area to support neighbours affected by immigration enforcement operations.
The FBI has launched an investigation into the shooting. Minnesota officials also announced a separate state inquiry after claiming federal authorities excluded them from the initial investigation.
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