Authorities are investigating the death of Renee Macklin Good, 37, a U.S. citizen, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during an immigration-related operation in south Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. The incident has sparked sharp disagreement between federal officials and local and state leaders over what led to the shooting.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the agent fired in self-defense after Good allegedly attempted to use her vehicle to endanger officers during the operation. A DHS spokesperson characterized the shots as “defensive,” stating the agent acted to protect himself and others.
Local officials strongly dispute that account. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said he has reviewed video of the encounter and rejected the federal government’s description, calling for an independent investigation and urging ICE to cease operations in the city. Frey said the situation escalated rapidly and that ICE’s presence after the shooting complicated emergency response efforts.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the state would ensure a “full, fair, and expeditious investigation” to determine accountability. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., also questioned DHS’s account, saying federal statements do not appear to align with available video and on-the-ground reports.
According to Minneapolis police, Good did not appear to be the target of any law enforcement action. Witnesses described a tense scene on Portland Avenue, where a vehicle was stopped amid activity related to the operation. A video posted to social media shows agents approaching a burgundy SUV and ordering the driver to exit. Moments later, shots were fired, and the vehicle came to rest after striking nearby objects. Authorities said Good was transported for medical care but died from her injuries.
Good was described by friends and supporters as a poet and writer, a wife and mother, and a longtime resident of Colorado who was living in Minneapolis. Advocacy groups said she was acting as a legal observer during community activity surrounding federal enforcement operations, a claim not confirmed by authorities.
Civil rights and community organizations condemned the shooting and called for transparency and accountability. The American Humanist Association said dueling narratives have emerged and urged a thorough, independent review of the incident.
ICE agents were conducting targeted operations in Minneapolis at the time of the shooting. The agent involved has not been publicly identified. The investigation is ongoing, and officials said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
This is a developing story.
