A fatal shooting by a US immigration agent in Minneapolis has ignited protests, political backlash, and a federal investigation, intensifying tensions over immigration enforcement tactics in American cities.
The incident occurred around 10:25am on Wednesday on Portland Avenue, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents confronted a 37-year-old woman, identified by federal officials as Renee Nicole Good. She was shot dead during the encounter, prompting overnight demonstrations and sharp criticism from local and national Democratic leaders.
Federal authorities say the shooting happened after Good attempted to drive her vehicle into immigration agents. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the woman had been “stalking and impeding” officers throughout the day and tried to “weaponise her vehicle” by running over an agent. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the shooting as an act of self-defence, adding that the agent fired “defensive shots” and was briefly hospitalized before being discharged.
However, city officials and eyewitnesses have disputed that account. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey accused the agent involved of acting recklessly and urged ICE officers to leave the city, using strong language to condemn the federal presence. The Minneapolis City Council said Good had been “caring for her neighbours” and posed no imminent threat when she was shot.
Videos posted on social media show ICE agents approaching a maroon SUV stopped in the middle of a residential street, surrounded by protesters. One agent appears to tug at the driver’s door as another stands near the front of the vehicle. As the SUV begins to move, gunshots can be heard. The vehicle then crashes into a parked car nearby. It remains unclear whether the agent standing near the front of the vehicle was struck.
President Donald Trump weighed in on the incident via Truth Social, claiming an ICE officer had been “viciously” run over and blaming what he called the “Radical Left” for targeting law enforcement officers. His comments were echoed by senior administration officials, who said immigration operations in Minneapolis would continue.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz rejected the federal narrative, calling it “propaganda” and promising a full and independent investigation. The FBI has confirmed it is reviewing the shooting.
The incident comes amid a surge in ICE activity in Minneapolis, where hundreds of federal agents have been deployed as part of the Trump administration’s renewed crackdown on illegal immigration. The shooting has further polarised the city, with protests and marches erupting across multiple neighbourhoods, as residents demand accountability and an end to aggressive enforcement actions.
