Tom Emmer criticized Democratic leaders for allegedly inflaming tensions after an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, arguing the demonstrations have not been peaceful and citing chants he called violent. DHS says Good tried to "weaponize her vehicle," while Minnesota officials dispute that account and have requested an investigation. Authorities deployed an additional 1,000 Border Patrol agents and made arrests after some protests were declared "no longer peaceful." Leaders remain divided as videos and official statements continue to circulate.
Tom Emmer Rejects Claims That Minnesota Anti‑ICE Protests Were Peaceful, Cites Violent Chants and Calls For Calm
Protesters clash with law enforcement outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Minneapolis on Thursday.
Protests have continued in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of 37‑year‑old Renee Nicole Good by a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. The incident has prompted nightly demonstrations, the circulation of multiple video clips online, and a sharp political debate about the use of force and public response.
Lawmakers Trade Accusations
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R‑Minn.) told Fox & Friends Weekend that some Democratic leaders have exacerbated tensions by appearing to rush to judgment rather than urging calm. Emmer specifically disputed characterizations that the demonstrations have been peaceful, pointing to chants he said he heard at protests, which he described as inflammatory.
Law enforcement officers disperse demonstrators during a protest outside hotels believed to house Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Friday.
Emmer: "You don’t have to go very far to look and see who is fomenting all of this violence. ... They’re yelling, ‘Save a life, kill ICE.’ That’s not peaceful."
What Officials Are Saying
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has said Good attempted to "weaponize her vehicle" against law enforcement officers. Minnesota officials have disputed that account and called for an independent investigation into the shooting.
Governor Tim Walz said the National Guard is prepared to deploy if necessary but expressed hope that peace will hold, saying authorities had "every reason to believe that peace will hold."
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks to the media at City Hall on Friday.
Security Response And Protests
In response to repeated nightly demonstrations, officials reported that an additional 1,000 Border Patrol agents were sent to Minneapolis. Authorities also said multiple people were arrested on charges including unlawful assembly after some gatherings were declared "no longer peaceful" and resulted in property damage. Protesters at times gathered near locations where they believed ICE personnel were staying.
Ongoing Questions
Video footage shared widely online has fueled debate about whether the agent’s use of force was justified. Political leaders remain sharply divided: some emphasize the need for restraint and a full investigation, while others focus on public safety concerns and condemn what they describe as violent rhetoric at demonstrations.
The situation remains fluid as investigators, local officials, federal authorities and community leaders continue to respond to the shooting and the protests it sparked.
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