At least 42 protesters were arrested Saturday outside a federal building in Minneapolis during a demonstration marking one month since 37-year-old mother Renee Nicole Good was killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Jonathan Ross on January 7.
The protest turned violent when demonstrators threw bottles, ice chunks, and other objects at police guarding the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, according to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).
The Context
The protests underscore escalating tensions in Minneapolis over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operations, which have resulted in deaths of United States citizens in the city within weeks.
Good’s death and 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti’s killing by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents on January 24 have become flashpoints in the national debate over immigration policy, transforming Minnesota into a focal point of resistance to federal enforcement operations.
What To Know
Police declared the gathering unlawful around midday after property was damaged, a deputy was struck in the head, and a squad vehicle’s windshield was smashed.
While many protesters complied with orders to disperse, approximately 100 remained in a standoff with deputies, state troopers, and conservation officers before arrests were made.
Good was shot and killed by Ross as she drove away from agents in a Minneapolis neighborhood. Bystander video shows an officer approaching her stopped Honda Pilot SUV, demanding she open the door and grabbing the handle. As the vehicle began moving forward, a different officer standing in front fired his weapon at close range.
The Trump administration characterized Good as a domestic terrorist who attempted to run over an officer. However, state and local officials have rejected that description.
Pretti was killed three weeks later during a confrontation with immigration officers. Bystander footage shows multiple officers taking him to the ground before one spotted his licensed firearm and shouted a warning. Two officers then opened fire.
While arrests occurred at the federal building protest, a separate peaceful gathering drew hundreds to a snow-covered Minneapolis park, where attendees honored both victims with music, poetry, and ceremony led by Lakota spiritual leader Chief Arvol Looking Horse.
What People Are Saying
Becca Good, Renee Good’s wife, said in part: “You know my wife’s name and you know Alex’s name, but there are many others in this city being harmed that you don’t know — their families are hurting just like mine, even if they don’t look like mine. They are neighbors, friends, co-workers, classmates. And we must also know their names. Because this shouldn’t happen to anyone.”
Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook: “HCSO deputies are currently at the Whipple Building to maintain public safety. While many individuals are peacefully protesting, some agitators have engaged in unlawful behavior, including damaging property and throwing ice chunks. A deputy was struck in the head and a squad vehicle windshield was broken. This is not the first time our vehicles have been damaged at this location.”
“Due to these actions, assistance was requested from metro partner agencies. Mobile response team members from the Minnesota State Patrol and the Minnesota DNR have responded. An unlawful assembly has been declared, and dispersal orders have been issued. Individuals must leave the area immediately. Failure to comply will result in enforcement action. Our priority remains public safety.”
What Happens Next
Border czar Tom Homan announced Wednesday that the administration would withdraw 700 immigration officers from Minnesota—roughly a quarter of those deployed—after state and local officials agreed to cooperate by turning over arrested immigrants. However, Homan did not specify when the administration would fully end its enforcement operations in the state.
Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
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