UPDATE: Nationwide protests are unfolding RIGHT NOW following the tragic death of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis. Activists are demanding accountability and justice during what is being called the “ICE Out For Good Weekend of Action,” with at least 1,000 events planned across the United States.
Protests began on October 7, 2023, as demonstrators took to the streets with signs chanting “ICE out now!” They gathered not only in Minneapolis but in cities including Philadelphia and Portland. Organizers from the progressive coalition Indivisible report that communities are coming together to honor those lost to ICE violence and push for systemic change.
In a statement, Leah Greenberg, co-executive director of Indivisible, emphasized the personal impact of ICE’s actions: “Renee Nicole Good was a wife, a mother of three, and a member of her community. She … should be alive today,” she said.
Crowds in Minneapolis grew significantly on Saturday, with hundreds participating in demonstrations outside hotels believed to be accommodating ICE agents. During a “noise protest” on Friday night, approximately 1,000 people gathered, leading to at least 29 arrests as tensions escalated. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara reported that some protesters damaged property, including hotel windows, and one officer sustained injuries from a thrown object.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the violence but praised the majority of peaceful protesters, stating, “To anyone who causes property damage or puts others in danger: you will be arrested.” He urged citizens to respond to the current climate with unity rather than chaos.
Amid these protests, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement emphasizing that while they respect the First Amendment, they will not tolerate rioting or destruction. “DHS is taking measures to uphold the rule of law and protect public safety,” spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin asserted.
The protests were ignited by Good’s death, which occurred just after DHS commenced a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, deploying 2,000 immigration officers statewide. The operation’s timing has raised significant concerns among residents and activists regarding increased violence and potential fatalities due to heightened ICE presence.
In Philadelphia, about 500 demonstrators conducted a peaceful march from City Hall, with police reporting no arrests. Meanwhile, in Portland, Oregon, demonstrators rallied outside a hospital where ICE agents transport injured detainees following a shooting incident involving Border Patrol agents earlier this week.
As the situation develops, communities across the nation are expected to continue their calls for accountability and reform. The emotional toll on families affected by ICE’s actions remains a focal point of these protests, highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes to immigration enforcement practices.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation continues to evolve.
