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Contains upsetting scenes.
Protests escalate in Minneapolis following fatal shooting
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Minneapolis on Saturday night to protest the killing of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent earlier this week. The unrest unfolded despite subzero temperatures, with similar demonstrations reported in cities including Austin, Seattle, New York, and Los Angeles.
Clashes and arrests reported over weekend
Minneapolis officials confirmed that 30 people were arrested during weekend protests, while one police officer sustained minor injuries after being struck by a chunk of ice. Authorities described most participants as peaceful but noted that some individuals engaged in destructive behavior.
On Friday night, police declared an unlawful assembly outside the Canopy Hotel, where ICE agents were believed to be staying. Videos circulated online showed protesters shining bright lights, blowing whistles, and banging drums. Some demonstrators forced entry into the hotel through an alley, while others hurled ice, snow, and rocks at officers and vehicles. A second hotel also sustained window damage and graffiti.
"The vast majority of community members have demonstrated peacefully," the city of Minneapolis stated.
Political and law enforcement tensions rise
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised peaceful protesters but warned that those causing property damage or endangering others would face arrest. Police Chief Brian O'Hara revealed that his department had received numerous complaints about ICE operations in the state, with residents expressing frustration over the agency's presence.
Three Minnesota congresswomen-Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison, and Angie Craig-attempted to inspect an ICE facility on Saturday but were denied access after initially being allowed inside. The lawmakers accused ICE and the Department of Homeland Security of obstructing congressional oversight.
"The public deserves to know what is taking place in ICE facilities," Omar wrote on X.
Conflicting accounts of Wednesday's shooting
Good was shot dead in her vehicle on Wednesday after ICE agents approached her SUV. Footage shows agents ordering her to exit the car before one officer fired multiple shots as the vehicle moved. The car later crashed into a curb.
Good's wife told local media the couple had gone to the scene to support neighbors amid immigration enforcement activity. The agent involved, Jonathan Ross, is a veteran ICE officer who was previously injured in the line of duty when struck by a car.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed the agent acted in self-defense, alleging Good attempted to run him over. However, Mayor Frey rejected this narrative, stating she appeared to be trying to leave the scene rather than attack.
Investigations launched amid federal-state tensions
The FBI is leading the inquiry into the shooting, though Minnesota officials announced a separate state investigation after accusing federal authorities of excluding them. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said the FBI initially agreed to a joint probe before reversing its decision. Vice President Kamala Harris described the matter as a federal issue.
