Mother of Three and Poet Renee Nicole Good Fatally Shot by ICE Agent in Minneapolis; Community Demands Answers

Renee Nicole Good, 37, a U.S. citizen described by family and neighbors as a loving mother, poet and singer, was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during a confrontation on a Minneapolis street on Wednesday morning.

What Happened

Officials say an ICE agent fired into Good's vehicle after an encounter near an ICE vehicle that was stalled on a snow-lined road. A federal official told reporters that the agent believed Good attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon. State and local leaders have strongly disputed the claim that the shooting was an act of self-defense. Video of the encounter has circulated and intensified public scrutiny.

A Minneapolis police officer looks on as they hold a perimeter around the scene of a shooting by an ICE agent Wednesday in Minneapolis, Minnesota. - Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Context

The shooting occurred amid a heightened federal enforcement operation in Minneapolis that included the deployment of roughly 2,000 agents as part of a nationwide immigration sweep. The operation followed allegations of welfare fraud in the Somali immigrant community and has already generated protests and community concern.

Family and Community Reaction

Family members and neighbors have mourned Good as an ‘‘amazing human being’’ and described her as compassionate and devoted to her children. Her mother, Donna Ganger, told the Minnesota Star Tribune that Renee was ‘‘one of the kindest people I’ve ever known’’ and that she had spent much of her life caring for others.

A bullet hole is seen in the windshield of a vehicle involved in a shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Wednesday in Minneapolis. - Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

"She was loving, forgiving and affectionate," said Donna Ganger.

Neighbors reported vigil gatherings, makeshift shrines of flowers and candles, and chants calling for answers and accountability. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey urged calm, while Minnesota Governor Tim Walz vowed his administration would seek accountability and justice.

About Renee Nicole Good

Good was a mother of three. Two older children, ages 15 and 12, were from her first marriage; her youngest, age 6, had lost his father in 2023. After living most of her life in Colorado, she spent some time in Kansas with her parents following her husband’s death and moved to Minnesota last year to live with her partner.

People gather during a vigil for Renee Good in Minneapolis on January 7. - Tim Evans/Reuters

Good described herself on social media as a poet, writer, wife and mom. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2020 with an English degree and won the university's American Academy of Poets Prize. Former professors and classmates recalled her talent, discipline and empathy: she often wrote about people and situations unlike her own.

She was also remembered for her musical background and faith. Family members said she had sung in chorus in high school, studied vocal performance in college, and participated in youth mission trips when she was younger.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are investigating the shooting. State and local officials have demanded a full review of the incident, citing video evidence and calling for transparency. Community members continue to organize vigils and protests while officials work to determine the facts and next steps.

Reporters from multiple outlets contributed to early coverage as the investigation and community response continue to develop.