Thousands of people filled the streets of Minneapolis on Saturday night, staging another round of protests following the fatal shooting of a woman by a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent earlier in the week.
City officials reported that at least 30 people were arrested during the weekend demonstrations. One police officer sustained minor injuries after a chunk of ice was thrown during the unrest.
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The protests erupted after 37 year old Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed while sitting in her car on Wednesday. Immigration enforcement demonstrations have since spread across several US cities, including Austin, Seattle, New York and Los Angeles.
Despite bitterly cold temperatures, large crowds gathered in Minneapolis, where city officials said the vast majority of protesters acted peacefully. The city praised community members for exercising their right to demonstrate without violence.
On Friday night, Minneapolis police declared an unlawful assembly after protesters congregated outside the Canopy Hotel, where some ICE agents were believed to be staying. Police said several hundred people attended and some individuals forced entry into the hotel through an alley entrance.
Videos circulating online showed demonstrators flashing bright lights, blowing whistles and banging drums. Authorities said some protesters threw ice, snow and rocks at officers, police vehicles and nearby cars. No serious injuries were reported, though one officer suffered minor injuries and did not require medical treatment.
Officials also confirmed that another hotel in the city was targeted, sustaining window damage and graffiti.
At a news conference on Saturday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey commended the majority of protesters for remaining peaceful. However, he warned that anyone damaging property or placing others in danger would face arrest.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said those arrested on Friday night were later released. He added that his department has been receiving dozens of calls daily from residents concerned about ICE operations in the state.
Public frustration has grown over the agency’s presence in Minnesota, with many residents demanding greater transparency.
On Saturday, Democratic Congresswomen Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison and Angie Craig attempted to tour an ICE facility in Minneapolis. They said they were initially allowed inside but were later ordered to leave.
The lawmakers accused ICE and the Department of Homeland Security of obstructing Congress from carrying out its oversight duties.
“They do not care that they are violating federal law,” Craig said.
“The public deserves to know what is taking place in ICE facilities,” Omar wrote on social media platform X.
Good was fatally shot on Wednesday while seated in her SUV. Video footage shows ICE agents approaching the vehicle, which was stopped in the middle of the street. Agents are heard ordering the driver to exit the vehicle as one tugs at the driver’s side door handle.
As the vehicle attempted to drive away, one agent positioned at the front of the car pointed a firearm and multiple shots were fired. The SUV continued forward and crashed into the side of the street.
Good’s wife told local media the couple had gone to the scene to support neighbors affected by immigration enforcement operations.
The agent who fired the shots was identified as Jonathan Ross, a veteran ICE officer who had previously been injured in the line of duty after being struck by a vehicle.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed the agent fired in self defense, alleging Good was attempting to run over the officer with her car.
However, Mayor Frey rejected that version of events, calling it a false narrative. He said it was clear Good was attempting to leave the area rather than attack an officer.
The FBI is currently investigating the shooting. On Friday, Minnesota officials announced they would launch a separate inquiry after saying they had been excluded from the federal investigation.
The announcement followed claims by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension that the FBI initially agreed to a joint investigation before reversing course. The US vice president later stated the case was a federal matter.
As investigations continue, protests are expected to persist as communities demand accountability and transparency surrounding the fatal shooting.
