Nationwide demonstrations are set to sweep across the United States this weekend, ignited by the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday during an immigration enforcement operation, has plunged federal and local authorities into a bitter dispute over the investigation's transparency.
Federal-Local Rift Over Investigation Control
Local officials in Minnesota have voiced sharp criticism against federal authorities for shutting them out of the inquiry into the shooting. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, expressed deep concern over the federal approach. "This is not the time to bend the rules. This is a time to follow the law," Frey stated. He questioned why local authorities were excluded, noting, "the fact that Pam Bondi's Department of Justice and this presidential administration has already come to a conclusion about those facts is deeply concerning."
A local prosecutor confirmed that federal investigators have taken crucial evidence, including Good's car and shell casings from the scene. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stressed the necessity of local oversight, revealing that the FBI currently holds the car, casings, and witness interviews. In a push for transparency, Moriarty's office launched an online evidence portal for the public to submit leads.
Controversial Video and Claims of Immunity
The incident's aftermath grew more contentious with the emergence of cell phone footage apparently recorded by the ICE agent, Jonathan Ross. The video shows him approaching and circling Good's vehicle. In the clip, Good is heard telling the officer, "I'm not mad at you," before shots are fired as she attempts to drive away. The recording ends with the officer uttering, "fucking bitch."
While the White House asserted the video supports the officer's self-defense claim, the clip does not show the car moving or the moment shots were fired. US Vice President JD Vance defended Agent Ross, claiming he had "absolute immunity," a legal stance contested by local prosecutors. Court records indicate Ross was previously dragged 100 yards by a vehicle during an operation in June 2025.
Protests Erupt, Demanding Justice and Transparency
Public outrage has translated into sustained protests. Hundreds gathered outside a federal facility in Minneapolis on Friday, where federal immigration officers reportedly used pepperball guns and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Protest organizers anticipate over a thousand demonstrations nationwide throughout the weekend, with civil rights groups like the ACLU mobilizing supporters.
Renee Good's wife, Becca Good, highlighted the disparity in their peaceful intent, telling media, "We had whistles. They had guns. We had gone to the scene of immigration enforcement activity to support our neighbors." Community members like Patrick O'Shaughnessy warn that federal refusal to share evidence erodes public trust in a "true, transparent investigation."
The divide between state and federal authorities widened further after US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins suspended $129.2 million in federal agricultural awards, accusing Minnesota officials of overlooking alleged large-scale fraud by Somali immigrants.
