The tragic death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, has sparked nationwide outrage, leading to over a thousand protests across the United States. Demonstrators gathered in cities including Boston, San Francisco, and Portland on Saturday, with Minneapolis seeing particularly large crowds chanting “Fuck ICE, ICE out!” alongside Good’s name. Activists plan to continue their demonstrations through the weekend, with events slated in all 50 states.
The protests are fueled by a growing anger over what participants view as a violent assault on citizens by federal agencies. In Philadelphia, two parallel rallies marched from city hall to a federal detention center, united in their call for the removal of ICE from local communities. Activists there, like Deborah Rose Hinchey from the Democratic Socialists of America, denounced the government’s actions both domestically and abroad, asserting, “From Venezuela to Minneapolis, all we’re seeing is a regime that is scrambling, willing to kill its own citizens, willing to kill foreign citizens, to maintain its power.”
Earlier on Saturday, U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison, and Angie Craig attempted to gain access to the Minneapolis ICE facility but were reportedly denied entry, leading them to accuse the agency of acting unlawfully. This incident adds to the mounting tensions following Good’s death.
In a provocative response, the Trump administration characterized Good as a member of a “leftwing network” suspected of inciting violence against federal agents. These claims have only intensified public dissent and have been met with skepticism amidst the chaos and sorrow surrounding Good’s death.
As protests unfold, the calls for reform of ICE and the administration’s immigration policies are only growing stronger, uniting a diverse array of individuals who seek justice and accountability. There is a sense among demonstrators that the fight is not just about one individual, but against a system that they believe perpetuates violence and injustice.
As activists rally across the nation, their determination to pursue change remains unwavering in the face of adversity, reinforcing the collective sentiment that they will not be silenced. The ongoing demonstrations reflect not just the anger surrounding Good’s death but also a broader demand for an end to perceived tyranny and a restoration of humane treatment for all individuals.