Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Wednesday that a woman who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer had been interfering with a federal operation for several hours prior to the incident. Speaking at a press conference, Noem identified the woman as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good and said agents repeatedly instructed her to stop obstructing their work and exit her vehicle, orders she allegedly ignored.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, video footage shows Good’s vehicle stopped in the middle of a residential street as ICE agents approached and issued commands for her to leave the car. Authorities said Good instead told agents to go around her vehicle and then shifted into reverse in an apparent attempt to leave the area.
Noem said investigators believe Good attempted to use her vehicle in a manner that endangered law enforcement officers, prompting the officer involved to fire his weapon. DHS officials said the shooting occurred during a rapidly developing situation and described the response as a defensive action. The department stated the case is being reviewed under federal protocols.
Local and state officials disputed the federal government’s account of the incident. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey questioned the characterization of the shooting, while Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the state would conduct an independent and thorough investigation. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the inquiry is being jointly handled by the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
The shooting occurred amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities. Earlier this week, DHS announced an increased federal law enforcement presence in the area as part of broader enforcement efforts. The incident has prompted reactions from officials across the political spectrum, with some lawmakers criticizing ICE’s tactics and others reaffirming support for federal agents as investigations continue.