Minneapolis: At least 29 people were arrested in Minneapolis following large-scale protests over the death of a woman who was shot by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent.
One police officer sustained minor injuries after a chunk of ice was thrown during the demonstrations, according to city officials. Protests broke out, with more than 1,000 people gathering near the Canopy Hotel in downtown Minneapolis, where some ICE agents were believed to be staying. Minneapolis Police declared the gathering an unlawful assembly after some demonstrators reportedly forced entry into the hotel through an alley entrance.
Authorities said protesters shone bright lights, blew whistles, and banged drums while others threw ice, snow, and rocks at officers and vehicles. While property damage was reported at the hotel and another nearby building, no serious injuries were confirmed. Police later stated that the crowd had dispersed by 1:00am local time and described their response as disciplined and restrained.
The protests were sparked by the killing of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was shot while sitting in her car during an ICE operation. The Trump administration has defended the agent involved, stating the shooting was an act of self-defence. Local officials, however, have disputed that account, insisting that Good posed no threat and was attempting to leave the scene.
Video footage circulating online shows ICE agents approaching Good’s vehicle and ordering her to exit. Moments later, several gunshots can be heard as the car begins to move forward. The vehicle later crashed nearby. Good’s wife told local media that the couple had gone to the area to support neighbours affected by immigration enforcement activity.
The agent who fired the shots has been identified as Jonathan Ross, a veteran ICE officer who was previously injured in a separate on-duty incident. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed the agent acted after Good attempted to run him over. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey rejected that version of events, calling it a false narrative and stating that evidence suggests Good was trying to leave rather than harm anyone.
The FBI is currently leading the investigation into the shooting. Minnesota state officials have announced a separate inquiry, citing concerns that they have been excluded from the federal investigation process. Political tensions have also intensified.
Democratic Congresswomen Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison, and Angie Craig attempted to tour an ICE facility in Minneapolis but said they were denied access after initially being allowed inside. The lawmakers accused ICE and the Department of Homeland Security of obstructing congressional oversight.
Further protests are expected to take place across Minneapolis and in other cities, including Washington DC, Texas, and Florida, over the coming days, as public anger over immigration enforcement practices continues to grow.
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