A 37-year-old U.S. citizen and legal observer was shot in the head by an ICE agent on Wednesday, igniting a fierce war of words between the Trump administration and Minnesota leaders over the “domestic terrorism” narrative vs. “reckless” federal power.
The streets of South Minneapolis became a flashpoint for the nation’s brewing immigration crisis on Wednesday (January 7, 2026), as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, a mother and local poet. The incident, which happened during a massive federal surge involving 2,000 agents, has drawn thousands of protesters to the site just blocks from where George Floyd was killed in 2020, as local officials demand that federal agents “get out” of the city.
The shooting has produced two completely opposite accounts of what happened on Portland Avenue:
- The Federal Claim: The Department of Homeland Security labelled the shooting an act of “domestic terrorism.” Secretary Kristi Noem said the agent fired in self-defence after Good “weaponized her vehicle” to run down officers. President Trump echoed this on Truth Social, claiming the driver “viciously ran over” the officer.
- The Eyewitness/Video Account: Bystander videos and witnesses tell a different story. Eyewitnesses report ICE agents gave conflicting orders one telling good to drive away and another grabbing her door handle. As the vehicle began to reverse or move away, an agent crossing in front of the car opened fire at point-blank range, striking Good in the head.
- The Victim: Renee Nicole Good was a 37-year-old U.S. citizen from Colorado who acted as a legal observer for her neighbourhood. She wasn’t a target for arrest. Her family described her as a “compassionate poet and mother” who was likely “terrified” by the masked agents surrounding her car.
The political fallout has been immediate and explosive.
- Mayor Jacob Frey: In a fiery press conference, Mayor Frey called the federal narrative “bullshit” and a “spin,” accusing ICE of “recklessly using power” that caused chaos. He formally demanded ICE leave Minneapolis immediately.
- Governor Tim Walz: The Governor warned the public not to believe the “propaganda machine” of the federal government. He’s placed the National Guard on standby to protect residents from what he described as a “predictable and avoidable” tragedy.
- Rep. Ilhan Omar: Representing the district, Omar characterized the killing as “state violence” rather than law enforcement.
“An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots. He used his training and saved his own life.” Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Spokeswoman.
“Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody that is bullshit. This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying… Get the fuck out of Minneapolis.” Mayor Jacob Frey.
The death of Renee Good marks the fifth fatality linked to the Trump administration’s intensified urban immigration crackdowns since late 2024. With thousands attending vigils and protests continuing into the night, the FBI has announced a formal investigation. However, with 2,000 agents still deployed in the Twin Cities to investigate alleged welfare fraud, the tension between state and federal authorities is at an all-time high.
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