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Minneapolis ICE Shooting Fuels Nationwide Protests as State Officials Demand Role in Investigation

Minneapolis ICE Shooting Fuels Nationwide Protests as State Officials Demand Role in Investigation
People gather at the street where Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot on Jan. 7 in Minneapolis. (Charly Triballleau/AFP via Getty Images)

The shooting death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis has provoked nationwide protests and a dispute over the facts and control of the investigation. Federal officials defend the agent’s actions, but videos and local leaders — including Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey — dispute the administration’s account. The FBI has taken sole charge of the probe, prompting the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to withdraw, and state officials are calling for a transparent, nonpartisan review as protests continue.

The fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis has ignited protests across the country and intensified a public clash between federal and local officials over what happened during the enforcement operation.

What Happened

Federal officials say an ICE agent fired after the vehicle driven by Good struck or attempted to strike the officer during an enforcement action. Administration figures, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Vice President J.D. Vance, described the shooting as justified and alleged that Good had harassed or tried to run over agents. The White House press secretary suggested without evidence that Good was part of a coordinated, left-wing effort to target federal agents.

Video And Conflicting Accounts

Video footage and multiple news analyses appear to challenge key aspects of the federal account. Clips reviewed by outlets such as the New York Times show Good’s vehicle turning away from a federal officer at the moment shots were fired. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly disputed the administration’s narrative, with Walz urging residents not to accept what he called a propaganda narrative and Frey demanding ICE leave the city.

Investigation And Jurisdiction Dispute

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI have taken the lead on the federal probe and, according to Minnesota officials, restricted state investigators’ access to evidence. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) announced it was withdrawing from the investigation after being informed it would not be given access to case materials, scene evidence, or witness interviews. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said her office is exploring options to secure a state-level inquiry or independent review.

"Minnesota must be part of this investigation," Gov. Tim Walz said, calling for a transparent, nonpartisan review and warning that pre-judgments by national leaders could undermine public confidence.

Federal Officials’ Defense

Deputy U.S. Attorney Todd Blanchet posted on social media emphasizing standard protocols after officer-involved shootings and noting that law allows officers to use deadly force when faced with an immediate threat of serious harm. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said the agency temporarily paused operations after the shooting but resumed enforcement activity in Minneapolis shortly thereafter.

Local Response And Protests

Dozens of residents held a vigil at the shooting site and protests continued near federal buildings in the Twin Cities. Officials urged demonstrators to remain peaceful. The Minneapolis separation ordinance, which limits local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, was cited by city officials as relevant context for the broader conflict.

Broader Context

Advocates and national news organizations have documented several recent shootings involving federal immigration officers since expanded enforcement operations began, raising broader questions about use-of-force claims and accountability. Media analyses and nonprofit trackers report multiple fatal and nonfatal encounters in which federal agents said they acted in self-defense but video or court records later raised questions.

What Comes Next

State and local leaders continue to press for access and transparency. Hennepin County and state officials have requested a role in the inquiry, while federal authorities say they are leading the investigation. Legal and political fights over jurisdiction and public trust are likely to continue as videos, witness statements and forensic evidence are reviewed. The situation remains fluid, with further protests and official statements expected.

Minneapolis ICE Shooting Fuels Nationwide Protests as State Officials Demand Role in Investigation
People gather near the site of the fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis. (Tom Baker/AP)
Minneapolis ICE Shooting Fuels Nationwide Protests as State Officials Demand Role in Investigation
The makeshift memorial honoring Renee Nicole Good. (John Locher/AP)
Minneapolis ICE Shooting Fuels Nationwide Protests as State Officials Demand Role in Investigation
Protesters confront federal agents outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building. (Tom Baker/AP)
Minneapolis ICE Shooting Fuels Nationwide Protests as State Officials Demand Role in Investigation
Vice President JD Vance speaks during a White House press briefing on Thursday. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Minneapolis ICE Shooting Fuels Nationwide Protests as State Officials Demand Role in Investigation
Vice President JD Vance speaks with reporters on Jan. 8. (Alex Brandon/AP)
Minneapolis ICE Shooting Fuels Nationwide Protests as State Officials Demand Role in Investigation
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks to reporters on Jan. 8. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
Minneapolis ICE Shooting Fuels Nationwide Protests as State Officials Demand Role in Investigation
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a press conference in New York City on Jan. 8. (David 'Dee' Delgado/Reuters)
Minneapolis ICE Shooting Fuels Nationwide Protests as State Officials Demand Role in Investigation
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., left, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., hold a joint news conference on Jan. 8. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Minneapolis ICE Shooting Fuels Nationwide Protests as State Officials Demand Role in Investigation
Federal agents stand watch as protesters gather in St. Paul, Minn., on Thursday. (Octavio Jones/AFP via Getty Images)
Minneapolis ICE Shooting Fuels Nationwide Protests as State Officials Demand Role in Investigation
Protesters clash with federal agents on Thursday. (Octavio Jones/AFP via Getty Images)
Minneapolis ICE Shooting Fuels Nationwide Protests as State Officials Demand Role in Investigation
Border Patrol agents detain a demonstrator at a protest. (Tim Evans/Reuters)
Minneapolis ICE Shooting Fuels Nationwide Protests as State Officials Demand Role in Investigation
Demonstrators are detained at a protest. (Tim Evans/Reuters)
Minneapolis ICE Shooting Fuels Nationwide Protests as State Officials Demand Role in Investigation
A cloud of tear gas can be seen rising amid a group of demonstrators as federal agents nearby look on. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

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