Minneapolis, January 7, 2026 — A federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed a woman in south Minneapolis Wednesday morning during a large federal immigration enforcement operation, igniting protests, political backlash, and sharply conflicting accounts from federal and local officials as investigators review newly surfaced video footage.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. CST near East 34th Street and Portland Avenue, a residential area south of downtown Minneapolis. The neighborhood was part of a sweeping federal action that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described as its “largest immigration operation ever,” involving roughly 2,000 ICE agents and other federal personnel deployed across the Twin Cities region.
In an initial statement, DHS said ICE officers were conducting targeted enforcement operations when a confrontation escalated. Federal officials claimed the woman “weaponized her vehicle,” attempting to strike officers, and that an ICE agent, fearing for his life, fired in self-defense. DHS has characterized the shooting as a justified response during a rapidly unfolding and dangerous situation.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz confirmed the shooting later Wednesday and called for calm, stating that state and local authorities were coordinating with federal agencies to gather facts. Walz said multiple investigations were underway and urged the public to allow the process to unfold.
However, local officials and eyewitnesses have strongly disputed the federal account. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey rejected DHS’s description of the incident, calling the shooting “reckless” and saying video footage he reviewed did not support claims that the woman was attempting to harm officers. Frey demanded that federal immigration agents leave the city, arguing their presence had created fear and instability rather than improved public safety.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene on Portland Avenue, where agents were seen surrounding a dark-colored SUV and shouting commands at the driver. Emily Heller, a local resident, told Minnesota Public Radio that as the woman attempted to turn her vehicle around, an ICE agent stepped near the car and fired multiple shots into the windshield. The vehicle then traveled a short distance before crashing into a utility pole and parked cars.
Video footage circulating online has intensified the dispute, appearing to show the vehicle moving away from officers moments before shots were fired. The footage, now under official review, has fueled public debate over whether the shooting met the legal standard for self-defense. Images from the scene show a bullet hole in the windshield and first responders attempting lifesaving measures before the woman was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The woman has since been identified by family members and advocacy groups as Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen. Her family says she was not participating in any protest activity, describing her as a peaceful neighbor and a devoted mother. Renee Good leaves behind a 6-year-old son, who has now lost both parents after his father’s death in 2023.
The killing sparked immediate protests near the scene and across Minneapolis, with demonstrators chanting “ICE out of Minnesota” and demanding accountability. Tensions escalated as crowds gathered, prompting a heightened law-enforcement response.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced her office is seeking a local investigation into the use of force, emphasizing the need for transparency and independent review. Authorities said the investigation will involve multiple agencies, including the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. As of Thursday, no charges have been filed, and the ICE officer involved has not been publicly identified.
As investigations continue, Minneapolis leaders say the incident has deepened national debate over federal immigration enforcement tactics, use of force, and community safety. With video evidence under review and official accounts sharply divided, city officials and residents alike say they are demanding clear answers and accountability.
Tags:
Trending