Thousands Protest in Minneapolis After Immigration Officer Fatally Shoots Woman

Fresh protests erupted across Minneapolis on Thursday following the fatal shooting of a woman by a U.S. immigration enforcement officer, an incident that has intensified tensions between federal authorities and local leaders over immigration operations.

The woman, identified by local media as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, was shot on Wednesday during a confrontation involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in the southern part of the city. Witness accounts and video footage circulating online show masked agents surrounding her vehicle before shots were fired at close range.

According to footage reviewed by local media, an officer attempted to open the driver’s door of Good’s SUV as she appeared to try to drive away. Moments later, another officer discharged his weapon multiple times. The vehicle then veered out of control, crashing into parked cars as bystanders shouted at the agents.

Federal authorities claim the shooting was an act of self-defense, alleging that Good attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon against officers. The Department of Homeland Security described the incident as “domestic terrorism,” a characterization that has been sharply rejected by Minnesota officials.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey dismissed the federal account, calling for ICE to cease operations in the city and accusing the administration of spreading misinformation. Governor Tim Walz also criticized the federal response, pledging a full and independent investigation into the shooting.

Thousands of protesters gathered in freezing temperatures, holding placards demanding the removal of ICE from Minneapolis. Additional demonstrations were planned outside federal buildings and other locations across the metropolitan area.

The shooting has reignited debate over ICE’s expanded role under President Donald Trump’s second term, which has prioritized mass deportations and increased enforcement. ICE operations have been bolstered by a major recruitment drive, a move critics argue has outpaced adequate training and oversight.

Good’s family has disputed claims that she posed a threat to officers. Her mother described her daughter as frightened and said she was not involved in any organized protest activity. Local media reported that Good was a mother, poet, and creative writing graduate.

As investigations continue, the incident has become a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration enforcement, police use of force, and federal authority in cities that oppose aggressive deportation tactics.