‘Killer Kristi’ Chants As Socialist Groups Escalate Nationwide Anti‑ICE Rallies

Socialist and communist organizations intensified coordinated demonstrations across multiple U.S. cities on Thursday, amplifying anti‑ICE rhetoric and targeting South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem after the fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis.

Groups involved included the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), The People’s Forum and the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, with additional participation from Indivisible, CAIR and other activist networks. Rallies took place in New York City, Chicago, Minneapolis and several other urban centers including Burlington, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta and Washington, D.C.

In downtown Manhattan, demonstrators chanted 'Killer Kristi!' and 'Go to hell, Kristi Noem!' while Noem was present for an announcement related to arrests of alleged gang members. Organizers in New York said roughly 300 people took part, carrying signs reading 'ICE Cold Killers' and 'ICE Is Trump’s Gestapo.'

What Sparked The Protests

The demonstrations followed the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during an ICE enforcement operation in south Minneapolis. Protesters accused the officer of 'cold‑blooded murder,' while federal officials have said the officer acted in self‑defense after alleging the woman drove her vehicle toward the agent and threatened his life. Investigations into the shooting are ongoing.

A protester at Foley Square holds up a "F--- Fascism" sign for the camera.

Organizing And Messaging

At Foley Square in Manhattan, The People’s Forum coordinated a large portion of the day's activity, arriving early with bullhorns and preprinted placards that read 'JUSTICE FOR RENEE NICOLE GOOD.' Some speakers and participants openly identified with Marxist and revolutionary politics; literature circulated at the rally included publications such as Workers Vanguard and The Revolution.

Concern From Experts

Extremism researchers warned that highly coordinated demonstrations can inflame tensions and potentially lead to violence against law enforcement. Stu Smith, a researcher at the Manhattan Institute who studies domestic terrorism, said organizers with far‑left ideologies may use flashpoints to mobilize supporters and advance broader revolutionary aims.

Public reporting and some internal documents have previously drawn federal attention to groups such as the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. Internal FBI records from 2015, which have been publicly described, noted the group was the subject of a past inquiry; no criminal charges were filed in that matter.

Scenes On The Ground

At the New York rally, activists distributed pamphlets and newspapers, displayed a range of political symbols — from Palestinian and Cuban flags to signs calling for a 'Revolutionary Workers Party' — and announced further protests. Organizers later packed up signs and equipment, leaving the staged portion of the demonstration to disperse while some participants vowed continued action.

The incident in Minneapolis and the nationwide response have underscored deep political divisions over immigration enforcement, the use of force by federal authorities, and the role of ideological networks in organizing street protests. Authorities continue to investigate the shooting and monitor demonstrations for threats to public safety.