Schools across Minneapolis were closed on Thursday as the city remained on edge following the fatal shooting of a US citizen by a federal immigration officer. The incident, which occurred during a large-scale enforcement operation, has ignited widespread protests and a sharp political confrontation.
A City in Mourning and a Nation Divided
The victim has been identified as Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a 37-year-old mother of a six-year-old son. She was shot multiple times by an officer from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Wednesday as she drove away from a group of agents. The shooting prompted an immediate and emotional response from the local community and officials.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey appeared on multiple television networks, vehemently criticising ICE's presence and actions. "People are being hurt. Families are being ripped apart," Frey stated, echoing earlier comments where he demanded ICE leave the city. He dismissed the Department of Homeland Security's framing of the event as self-defence.
Conflicting Narratives and Escalating Rhetoric
The official account from the Trump administration starkly contrasts with witness reports and video evidence. President Donald Trump labelled Macklin Good a "domestic terrorist" who had attempted to run over an officer. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed the woman had been "stalking" agents and blocking traffic.
However, available video footage appears to contradict these claims. It shows the ICE agent walking away unharmed after the woman's car collided with a lamppost and a parked vehicle. The footage also depicts her initially reversing to let an ICE vehicle pass.
Minnesota's Democratic Governor, Tim Walz, urged calm, posting on X: "Trump wants a show. Don't give it to him." He also indicated a preparedness to deploy the Minnesota National Guard if required.
Protests Spread and a Community on Edge
The initial response saw a demonstration of thousands in Minneapolis on Wednesday night, which proceeded peacefully. However, the city's mood was described as "on edge and angry" on Thursday, with further protests planned. The area is home to a large Somali community, which has felt particularly targeted by the recent surge of around 2,000 federal agents in the city.
The fallout has extended far beyond Minnesota. Anti-ICE protests took place in several major US cities on Wednesday, with more scheduled for Thursday in locations including New York, Houston, and San Diego. The incident has sharply intensified the national debate over immigration enforcement tactics.
Meanwhile, some Republican figures, like Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina, have called for the resignations of Mayor Frey and Governor Walz, accusing them of incendiary rhetoric. Secretary Noem confirmed that ICE operations would continue in Minneapolis despite the escalating crisis.
