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-scale federal immigration enforcement operation, sparking 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 neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis. The area 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 federal personnel deployed across the Twin Cities region.
Conflicting Accounts of the Shooting
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” by attempting to strike officers, prompting an ICE agent to fire in what DHS described as self-defense.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz confirmed the shooting later Wednesday and urged calm, stating that state and local authorities were coordinating with federal agencies to determine what happened. He said multiple investigations were underway and emphasized the importance of allowing the process to unfold.
However, local officials and eyewitnesses sharply disputed the federal account.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the shooting “reckless,” saying video footage he reviewed does not support DHS claims that the woman posed an imminent threat to officers. Frey demanded that federal immigration agents leave the city, arguing their presence had created fear and instability rather than improved public safety.
Eyewitness Video Raises Questions
Witnesses described a chaotic scene on Portland Avenue, where agents surrounded a dark-colored SUV and shouted commands at the driver. Emily Heller, a nearby 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 SUV then traveled a short distance before crashing into a utility pole and several parked cars.
Video footage circulating online appears to show the vehicle moving away from officers moments before shots were fired, intensifying 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.
Family Identifies Victim, Speaks Out
Family members and advocacy groups have identified the woman as Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen and longtime Minneapolis resident.
Renee Good’s family has publicly disputed federal claims, saying she was not involved in any protest or criminal activity at the time of the shooting. Relatives described her as a peaceful neighbor, a compassionate person, and a devoted mother who was going about her normal routine when the encounter occurred.
Her mother said Renee was kind, nonviolent, and deeply family-oriented, adding that the portrayal of her as a threat does not reflect who she was. Family members believe she was frightened and trying to leave the area when shots were fired.
Good leaves behind a 6-year-old son, who has now lost both parents following his father’s death in 2023, a detail that has further fueled public grief and outrage.
Protests and Investigations Continue
The killing sparked immediate protests near the scene and across Minneapolis, with demonstrators chanting “ICE out of Minnesota” and demanding accountability. Law enforcement increased its presence as crowds grew throughout the day.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced her office is seeking an independent local investigation into the use of force. Authorities confirmed that multiple agencies — including the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension — are involved in reviewing the incident.
As of Thursday, no charges have been filed, and the ICE officer involved has not been publicly identified.
A National Debate Intensifies
As investigations continue, Minneapolis leaders say the shooting has intensified a national debate over federal immigration enforcement tactics, use of force, and community safety. With video evidence under review and official accounts sharply divided, residents, city officials, and Renee Good’s family say they are demanding clear answers, transparency, and accountability.
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