Organizers, including the ACLU, expect more than 1,000 anti‑ICE demonstrations nationwide this weekend under the "ICE Out For Good Weekend of Action" after an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. Federal officials describe the shooting as self‑defense; local leaders and eyewitnesses dispute that account while the FBI investigates. A separate Border Patrol shooting in Portland, where both victims survived, has added to calls to end local ICE and Border Patrol operations. Minneapolis officials reported 29 arrests during a large protest but said most demonstrators remained peaceful.
Nationwide Anti‑ICE Demonstrations Expected After Fatal Minneapolis Shooting
Demonstrators gather in Boston on Saturday to protest ICE operations and the recent U.S. military action in Venezuela. (Joseph Prezioso / AFP - Getty Images)
Organizers say more than 1,000 protests against federal immigration enforcement are planned in cities across the United States this weekend following the fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer.
What Happened
On Wednesday, ICE officer Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, a 37‑year‑old mother and U.S. citizen, during a federal immigration operation. Federal officials have described the officer's use of force as self‑defense, while local authorities and eyewitnesses dispute that account. The FBI is leading the investigation, and Minneapolis officials have said federal authorities have limited local access to some evidence.
Planned Protests
A coalition of nonprofits, including the American Civil Liberties Union, is promoting the events under the banner "ICE Out For Good Weekend of Action." Organizers say demonstrations will take place in major metropolitan areas such as Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Chicago, as well as smaller communities including Martinsburg, West Virginia.
Local Demonstrations And Reactions
Thousands of people gathered at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis and marched through nearby streets on Saturday in largely peaceful demonstrations. Chants included: "Say it once, say it twice, we will not put up with ICE!"
"I don’t really think the ICE agents realize what they’re standing for. They’re going to have to live with themselves, with what has happened and what is happening in our country. This is murder. We cannot stand for it," said Lindagail Roy, 73, who attended the protest.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said at a news conference that 29 people were arrested Friday night during a protest of more than 1,000 demonstrators. Police Chief Brian O’Hara said some individuals caused property damage downtown, which led to arrests, but Frey stressed that the "vast majority" of protesters remained peaceful and urged continued nonviolent demonstrations.
Federal Response And Related Incidents
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin released a statement saying that "ICE officers are facing a nearly 1,300% increase in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists and gang members," and emphasizing that the First Amendment protects peaceful assembly but not violence or destruction of property.
Separately, authorities said two people described by the Department of Homeland Security as "suspected Tren de Aragua gang associates" were shot by a Border Patrol agent in Portland, Oregon, on Friday; both survived their injuries.
No arrests or charges have been filed in connection with Good's death. Administration allies have publicly defended Officer Ross, while local leaders and community members have rejected some of those characterizations. Ross has not responded to multiple requests for comment.
Daniella Silva reported from Minneapolis, and Matt Lavietes reported from New York. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.
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