Tensions continued to rise in Minneapolis on Thursday following the fatal shooting of a woman by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during a federal immigration operation, as local and state officials openly disputed the federal government’s account and protests expanded across the city.
The woman was identified as Renee Nicole Good, 37, a mother of three who had recently moved to Minnesota. Authorities have said she was not the target of an immigration enforcement action at the time of the incident.
The shooting occurred Wednesday morning during an ICE operation in south Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said an ICE agent fired his weapon after Good attempted to run him over with her vehicle, describing the shooting as an act of self-defence.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly defended the agent, stating that officers were responding to a perceived threat.
However, state and local officials have challenged that version of events. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey rejected the DHS account, saying available video does not clearly support the claim that the agent was in immediate danger. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he had warned in recent weeks that expanded ICE operations posed risks to public safety.
Three videos of the shooting reviewed by news organisations show differing angles of the encounter. The footage shows ICE agents near Good’s vehicle moments before shots were fired, but the precise sequence of events, including whether the vehicle struck or was about to strike an officer, remains unclear.
Mayor Frey called on federal immigration agents to leave the city, accusing ICE of escalating tensions and operating without coordination with local authorities.
Governor Walz said state officials are monitoring the situation closely and urged calm, while reiterating concerns over federal enforcement activity in Minnesota.
President Donald Trump, speaking after viewing video of the incident, described it as “a vicious situation” and said it appeared the woman attempted to run over an ICE agent. He also said he did not like what he saw in the footage.
Protests and vigils were held Wednesday night near the site of the shooting and in other parts of Minneapolis. Demonstrators called for accountability and an end to ICE operations in the city. Law enforcement reported no major injuries during the protests.
Community leaders and advocacy groups said the incident has increased fear among residents, including U.S. citizens, amid a broader federal immigration crackdown.
The shooting is under investigation by state and federal authorities. Officials have said no conclusions have yet been reached regarding the use of force. Requests have been made for the release of additional video and documentation related to the operation.
As of Thursday morning, no charges have been filed, and the ICE agent involved has not been publicly identified.
