Tensions soared in Minneapolis on Thursday following the fatal shooting of a woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. The incident, part of the Trump administration's intensified immigration enforcement, triggered widespread protests and clashes with law enforcement.
Shooting Incident and Escalating Tensions
Renee Nicole Macklin Good, 37, was shot in the head on Wednesday morning in a residential area south of downtown Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed she "weaponised her vehicle" and attempted to run over officers, forcing an agent to fire in self-defence. However, eyewitnesses and viral videos strongly contradict this account, stating Good posed no threat and was trying to drive away when shot, causing her vehicle to crash.
The DHS has deployed more than 2,000 officers to the region, calling it its largest-ever immigration operation. Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed over 1,500 people have been arrested so far. Despite state and local officials demanding ICE leave Minnesota, Noem stated agents would not be withdrawing.
Community Outrage and Vigil Turns to Protest
Hundreds attended a Wednesday night vigil to mourn Macklin Good and urge resistance against the immigration crackdown. The gathering later turned into a march through the city. "I would love for ICE to leave our city and for more community members to come to see it happens," said Sander Kolodziej, a local painter at the vigil.
Protests continued on Thursday, with hundreds gathering in Minneapolis and neighbouring St. Paul, chanting and holding signs demanding ICE agents leave. A live feed showed confrontations breaking out. Federal agents deployed chemical irritants at the crowd, leading to some protesters requiring treatment.
Official Statements and Arrests
Secretary Kristi Noem labelled the shooting incident an "act of domestic terrorism" against ICE officers, alleging the driver tried to run them over. President Donald Trump echoed similar accusations on social media, defending ICE's work. Noem said the FBI would investigate.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey vehemently disputed Noem's version, calling it "garbage" and "bullshit," after reviewing the video evidence.
In a related protest near the Whipple Federal Building, where ICE operates, three people were arrested after a crowd blocked agents from entering or leaving. The arrests occurred shortly after 8 a.m., with CBS News reporting the events.
The shooting has left the Minneapolis community shaken, deepening concerns over aggressive federal immigration tactics and setting the stage for continued unrest.
