At least 42 demonstrators were arrested Saturday outside a federal building in Minneapolis during a protest marking one month since Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother, was killed on January 7 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Jonathan Ross.
Authorities said the demonstration escalated when some protesters hurled bottles, chunks of ice, and other objects at police stationed outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, according to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).
Background
The protest reflects rising tensions in Minneapolis over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operations, which have resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens in the city within a matter of weeks.
Good’s killing—followed by the January 24 death of 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti during an encounter with Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents—has intensified the national debate over immigration policy, placing Minnesota at the center of growing resistance to federal enforcement activity.
What happened
Police declared the gathering an unlawful assembly around midday after property damage was reported, a deputy was struck in the head, and a squad vehicle’s windshield was smashed.
Officials said many protesters dispersed when ordered to leave, but about 100 remained, leading to a prolonged standoff involving deputies, state troopers, and conservation officers before arrests were made.
Good was fatally shot as she drove away from agents in a Minneapolis neighborhood. Bystander video shows an officer walking up to her stopped Honda Pilot SUV, demanding she open the door and grabbing the handle. As the vehicle began to move forward, another officer standing in front fired at close range.
The Trump administration described Good as a domestic terrorist who tried to run over an officer. State and local officials have rejected that characterization.
Three weeks later, Pretti was killed during a confrontation with immigration officers. Bystander footage shows multiple officers taking him to the ground before one noticed his licensed firearm and shouted a warning. Two officers then fired.
Separate from the arrests outside the federal building, another gathering remained peaceful. Hundreds met at a snow-covered Minneapolis park to honor both victims with music, poetry, and a 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’s next
Border czar Tom Homan said Wednesday the administration would pull 700 immigration officers from Minnesota—about a quarter of those deployed—after state and local officials agreed to cooperate by turning over arrested immigrants. He did not specify when the enforcement operation in the state would fully end.
