Key Highlights
- At least 29 people arrested and one police officer injured in Minneapolis protests.
- Protests against the death of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot by an ICE agent on Wednesday.
- One ice chunk thrown at a police officer during demonstrations that saw over 1,000 participants.
- Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised peaceful protesters while condemning property damage and violence.
Protests Erupt in Minneapolis After Shooting of Woman by ICE Agent
Dozens of individuals have been arrested, and one police officer has sustained injuries after protests erupted in Minneapolis following the shooting death of a 37-year-old woman named Renee Nicole Good. The incident took place on Wednesday when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent reportedly shot Good while she was driving her car.
Protestors Gather in Response to Shooting
The protests, which saw approximately 1,000 people take to the streets of Minneapolis on Friday night, were sparked by the death of Good. Local officials have maintained that she posed no threat and that the shooting was unwarranted.
Violence Breaks Out During Demonstrations
As tensions escalated, Minneapolis Police declared an unlawful assembly outside the Canopy Hotel, where some ICE agents were reportedly staying. Protesters reportedly forced entry into the hotel through an alley entrance, and police responded with a disciplined and restrained approach.
Videos posted online showed protesters using bright lights, whistles, and drums to disrupt the area. Some participants threw ice, snow, and rocks at officers, vehicles, and other buildings nearby. However, no serious injuries were reported during this confrontation.
Police Officer Injured During Protests
A police officer suffered minor injuries after being hit by a “chunk of ice,” according to the BBC’s US partner CBS News. The officer did not require medical attention and was described as having only experienced “minor” injuries.
Citywide Impact and Ongoing Concerns
The unrest in Minneapolis has extended beyond the city limits, with further protests scheduled for this weekend in Texas, Florida, Washington DC, and other locations across the United States. These demonstrations are part of a broader movement against immigration enforcement policies.
Local officials have expressed concern over the presence of ICE agents in their community. Mayor Jacob Frey has praised the majority of protesters who maintained peace but noted that those causing damage to property or putting others at risk would be arrested.
Political Backlash and Congressional Interventions
The incident has also drawn attention from US Congresswomen Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison, and Angie Craig. These representatives attempted to tour an ICE facility in Minneapolis on Saturday but were obstructed by the agency’s staff. They accused ICE of violating federal law.
Minneapolis Mayor Frey called for a thorough investigation into the shooting, stating that Good was attempting to leave the scene rather than attack the officer with her car. The FBI is currently investigating the incident, and Minnesota officials have pledged their own inquiry after being excluded from the initial federal probe.
Future Protests and Policy Debates
The tragic death of Renee Nicole Good has sparked widespread outrage and calls for stricter oversight of ICE operations. Further protests are expected to continue as the debate over immigration policies intensifies in the coming weeks and months.
As tensions between law enforcement and immigrant communities remain high, this incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by cities like Minneapolis in balancing public safety with respect for civil rights.
