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Federal Immigration Enforcement Operations Spark Fatal Shootings, Nationwide Protests, and Intergovernmental Disputes

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A series of federal immigration enforcement operations in the Twin Cities, described by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as its largest ever, has led to a fatal shooting, additional agent-involved shootings, and widespread protests across the United States. The incidents have ignited significant tensions between federal, state, and local officials, prompting legal challenges and calls for congressional oversight. Conflicting accounts surrounding the use of force by federal agents have characterized the unfolding events.

Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis

On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, was fatally shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agent Jonathan Ross in south Minneapolis. The incident occurred in a residential area, Portland Avenue near East 34th Street, and was followed by immediate protests.

Conflicting Accounts of the Incident

Details surrounding Good's death have been disputed by federal and local authorities:

  • Federal Account: Trump administration officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, stated that Good was a "violent rioter" who allegedly attempted to run over ICE agents with her maroon SUV, using it as a "deadly weapon." Secretary Noem characterized Good's actions as "domestic terrorism" and asserted that Agent Ross fired "defensive shots" to protect himself and other officers, citing a prior incident in June where Ross was reportedly injured when dragged by a motorist. DHS released a video showing Good's vehicle partially blocking a street, with sirens and car horns audible, and another video from Agent Ross's perspective showing him approaching and circling Good's vehicle while filming with a cellphone. Federal officials stated the video supports the claim that Good was "stalking and impeding a law enforcement operation."
  • Local and Eyewitness Accounts: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stated that the incident involved "an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying," challenging the federal government's self-defense claims. He suggested that available video evidence did not show Good driving her car toward the agent or using it as a weapon. Minneapolis Police preliminary information indicated Good's vehicle was blocking the roadway, began to drive off as an officer approached, and then at least two shots were fired before the vehicle crashed. Witnesses reported that agents gave Good conflicting orders to drive away and to exit her SUV. Good's wife, Becca Good, stated they were supporting their neighbors at the time. Senator Tina Smith questioned how the officer could have feared bodily harm based on evidence she had seen.

Other Agent-Involved Shootings

Minneapolis Shooting of Venezuelan National

One week after Good's death, on Wednesday evening (January 7, 2026), an ICE officer shot a man in the leg during an enforcement operation in north Minneapolis.

  • Federal Account: DHS stated the incident occurred around 7 p.m. during a targeted ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) action. The individual, identified as Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan migrant and the primary target, allegedly assaulted an ICE officer with a shovel after resisting arrest. DHS further reported that two other individuals, Alfredo Alejandro Ajorna and Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledezma, described as "illegal immigrants from Venezuela," emerged from a nearby apartment and also attacked the officer with a snow shovel and broom handle. The agent then fired "defensive shots," striking Sosa-Celis in the leg. The officer involved was hospitalized. All three Venezuelan nationals were arrested and taken into custody.
  • Local Observations: Witnesses reported federal agents deploying smoke and flash bombs at the scene. Protesters gathered immediately following the incident.

Portland, Oregon Shootings

On Thursday (January 8, 2026), U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents shot and injured two individuals, Luis David Nico Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, in Portland, Oregon.

  • Federal Account: DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated the shooting occurred during a targeted vehicle stop, alleging the driver "weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents," prompting an agent to fire a defensive shot. Both individuals, identified as Venezuelan immigrants, were transported to a local hospital. McLaughlin stated they were affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang, but did not provide evidence.
  • Local Response: Portland Mayor Keith Wilson called for a halt to federal operations in Portland until an independent investigation could occur, disputing the federal government's account. Portland Police Chief Bob Day confirmed a "nexus" to a Venezuelan gang but clarified that affiliation does not automatically justify the shooting.

Federal Enforcement Operations

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has characterized its immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities as its largest ever.

  • Deployment: Approximately 2,000 federal agents from ICE, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) were initially deployed to the area, with hundreds more reportedly dispatched, bringing the total to around 3,000. These federal agents reportedly outnumbered local police personnel.
  • Stated Objectives: The Trump administration stated the enforcement aims to arrest unauthorized immigrant criminals, address fraud (including an investigation into the nonprofit Feeding Our Future), and protect agents. Vice President JD Vance stated ICE operations target "criminal undocumented immigrants" and are critical for national security.
  • Tactics and Documented Incidents: Minnesota officials have alleged a shift in tactics, describing "militarized raids" and "dangerous, illegal, and unconstitutional stops and arrests" in public places. An NPR reporter witnessed immigration agents questioning individuals about their immigration status in public spaces, primarily people of color, many of whom provided documentation of legal residency. Specific incidents included:
    • Joel Keleekai, a permanent U.S. resident, reported being questioned about his green card.
    • A U.S. citizen of Somali descent reported being briefly detained and questioned.
    • Christian Molina, a U.S. citizen, reported his car was rear-ended by immigration officers who then pursued him.
    • Patty O'Keefe, a demonstrator, reported that she and a friend had their car pepper-sprayed and windows smashed by agents, then were arrested for "impeding operations" and held for eight hours without charges. She claimed an agent made a derogatory comment about Renee Good.
  • Operation Continuity: Federal officials, including Secretary Noem, affirmed that operations would continue despite protests. President Trump indicated "Operation Metro Surge" would proceed, and threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, a 19th-century law allowing the deployment of active-duty military for law enforcement, if Minnesota officials failed to control what he termed "professional agitators and insurrectionists."

Widespread Protests and Public Reaction

The shootings and intensified federal presence have triggered widespread protests across the United States.

  • Scale and Coordination: Hundreds to over a thousand demonstrations were organized nationwide by groups such as Indivisible, the American Civil Liberties Union, and migrant rights organizations, under the banner "ICE Out For Good Weekend of Action."
  • Key Events:
    • In Minneapolis, protests began immediately after Good's death, with vigils forming at the shooting site. A "noise protest" on Friday night involved approximately 1,000 people, leading to 29-31 arrests and one police officer sustaining minor injuries from thrown objects. Some demonstrators reportedly damaged hotel windows and federal vehicles.
    • Protests also occurred in major cities including New York City, Chicago, Portland, Austin, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., with various actions including marches, chanting, and blocking entrances to federal facilities.
    • Minneapolis Public Schools canceled classes for the remainder of the week following an altercation involving U.S. border patrol agents outside a local high school.
  • Community Concerns: Protesters expressed concerns about safety, the impact of federal presence on communities, and demanded accountability for those involved in the shootings.
  • Official Response to Protests: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned acts of violence but acknowledged the peaceful nature of most protesters. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that while the First Amendment protects peaceful assembly, it does not protect rioting, assault, or destruction.

Intergovernmental Responses and Disputes

The federal actions have resulted in significant friction between federal and state/local governments.

  • Local and State Officials:
    • Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly called for ICE to withdraw from Minneapolis, describing an "impossible situation" and accusing federal officers of "creating chaos." He disputed federal claims regarding the shooting of Renee Good.
    • Minnesota Governor Tim Walz urged peaceful demonstrations, criticized the federal deployment, and called on President Trump and Secretary Noem to "end the occupation." He encouraged Minnesotans to record federal agents' actions for potential future prosecutions and described ICE's presence as a "campaign of organized brutality."
    • Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in U.S. District Court, seeking to halt federal immigration operations. The lawsuit alleges "militarized raids," "dangerous, illegal, and unconstitutional stops and arrests," and racial profiling.
  • Federal Administration:
    • President Trump and Vice President JD Vance defended federal actions, stating they were enforcing laws and ensuring national security.
    • Secretary Kristi Noem announced the deployment of "hundreds more" federal agents to Minneapolis to ensure the safety of personnel. She criticized Governor Walz and Mayor Frey, alleging they were inciting violence and prioritizing politics over public safety.
  • Congressional Reactions:
    • U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison, and Angie Craig of Minnesota attempted to tour an ICE facility in Minneapolis but were denied entry, accusing ICE agents of obstructing congressional oversight.
    • Democratic Representative Robin Kelly of Illinois introduced articles of impeachment against Secretary Noem, alleging obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust, and self-dealing. Over 70 members of Congress co-sponsored the resolution. Other Democratic lawmakers proposed leveraging government funding deadlines to potentially restrict ICE funding.
    • DHS Policy on Congressional Visits: Secretary Noem implemented a new policy requiring federal lawmakers to provide seven days' advance notice for visits to ICE detention facilities funded by the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," citing concerns about safety and "circus-like publicity stunts." This policy overrides a prior federal judge's ruling that had blocked an identical directive.

Investigations and Legal Challenges

Shootings Investigations

  • Renee Good Shooting: Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara initially announced a joint investigation by the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). However, the U.S. Attorney's Office designated the FBI to lead the investigation alone, citing federal jurisdiction. The BCA subsequently withdrew due to a reported lack of access to case materials and evidence. Minnesota officials, including Governor Walz and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, expressed concerns about the fairness and transparency of an exclusively federal probe. Moriarty affirmed her office's jurisdiction and initiated an effort to collect evidence from the public.
  • Other Shootings: The FBI is also leading investigations into the shooting of the Venezuelan man in Minneapolis and the Portland, Oregon shootings. The Oregon Department of Justice is conducting a separate investigation into the Portland incident.

Legal Challenges

  • Minnesota Lawsuit: The State of Minnesota, along with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to halt federal immigration enforcement operations, alleging violations of First Amendment and other constitutional protections. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin accused Attorney General Ellison of "prioritizing politics over public safety."
  • ACLU Lawsuit: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Minnesota filed a lawsuit seeking an emergency injunction to restrict federal agents' protest operations, including limitations on chemical agent use, pointing firearms at non-threatening individuals, and interfering with lawful video recording.
  • Justice Department Inquiry: The Justice Department has initiated an investigation into Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, concerning an alleged conspiracy to obstruct federal immigration agents, specifically examining federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 372. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche posted a statement on X related to Walz and Frey.

Expert Commentary

Legal and policing experts commented on the unusual nature of the federal government sidelining state authorities in investigations of federal officer-involved shootings, suggesting it deviates from standard practice and could compromise public trust and the investigations themselves. Experts also noted that the federal agents' crowd-control tactics in Minneapolis, traditionally handled by local police with specialized training, contradicted established de-escalation standards and risked escalating demonstrations. Former ICE Director Sarah Saldaña indicated that the current approach deviates from traditional immigration apprehensions.