I.C.E. Shooting in Minneapolis Leaves 37-Year-Old Woman Dead - Archbishop Hebda Calls for Prayer and Peace

 On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, a fatal shooting involving a federal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis sparked a national outcry and significant civil unrest. The incident, which resulted in the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, has become a flashpoint for tensions surrounding the current administration’s expanded immigration enforcement operations.


The Incident

The shooting occurred around 9:30 a.m. in a residential neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis, near the intersection of East 34th Street and Portland Avenue. According to reports from The Associated Press and MPR News, the area was already under high tension due to a large-scale ICE operation involving approximately 2,000 agents targeting the Twin Cities.



Statement Regarding Deadly ICE-related Shooting in Minneapolis
From: Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda 
Following this morning’s deadly shooting in Minneapolis, I reiterate my plea for all people of good will to join me in prayer for the person who was killed, for their loved ones, and for our community.

We continue to be at a time in this country when we need to lower the temperature of rhetoric, stop fear-filled speculation and start seeing all people as created in the image and likeness of God. That is as true for our immigrant sisters and brothers as it is for our elected officials and those who are responsible for enforcing our laws. I echo today the repeated call of the U.S. Catholic bishops that we come together as a nation and pass meaningful immigration reform that does justice to all parties. The longer we refuse to grapple with this issue in the political arena, the more divisive and violent it becomes.

It is only by working together – with God’s help – that we will have peace in our communities, state and world.

Conflicting Accounts

  • Federal Officials: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described the incident as an act of self-defense. DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin stated that a "domestic terrorist" had "weaponized her vehicle," attempting to run over law enforcement officers.

  • Eyewitnesses: Bystanders and witnesses disputed this narrative. Some told The Guardian and MPR News that the driver, later identified as Good, was acting as a "legal observer" or was simply trying to navigate away from the scene. One witness claimed an agent reached across the hood and fired multiple shots through the windshield as the vehicle was pulling forward at a low speed.

  • Local Authorities: Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara noted that while federal agents were on foot, the vehicle "began to drive off" before the shots were fired, but he did not initially confirm the federal claim that officers were in immediate danger of being run over.


Political and Social Response

The shooting took place less than a mile from where George Floyd was killed in 2020, further intensifying the local reaction.

Government Reactions

  • Minnesota Governor Tim Walz: Governor Walz expressed deep skepticism regarding the federal narrative, calling it "propaganda" and activating the state’s emergency operations center. He has also issued a warning order to prepare the Minnesota National Guard for potential deployment to maintain order.

  • Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey: Mayor Frey condemned the federal presence, stating that ICE agents were "causing chaos" and demanding they leave the city and state immediately.

  • U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar: Rep. Omar characterized the event as "state violence," noting that the victim was a U.S. citizen and a peaceful observer of the operation.

Public Unrest

Immediately following the shooting, hundreds of protesters gathered at the scene. Video footage showed law enforcement using chemical irritants to disperse crowds. Protesters were heard chanting "ICE out of Minnesota!" and "Shame!" while using whistles—a tactic that has become common during recent immigration raids in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago.


Current Status

As of the evening of January 7, 2026, the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) have launched a joint investigation into the shooting. The victim, Renee Good, was a Minneapolis resident and a U.S. national; her family has described her as a compassionate person who was not a "terrorist" as federal officials initially claimed.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press (AP): "ICE officer kills a Minneapolis driver in a deadly start to Trump's latest immigration operation"

  • The Guardian: "Woman in Minnesota fatally shot by ICE agent during raid, video shows"

  • MPR News: "Live updates: Noem says ICE agent justified in killing woman"

  • CBS News: "Woman fatally shot by ICE officer in Minneapolis identified; Gov. Walz demands investigation"

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