Schools across Minneapolis were closed on Thursday as the city remained on edge following the fatal shooting of a woman by a federal immigration agent, an incident that has ignited widespread protests and fierce political debate.
A City in Tension After Fatal Encounter
The unrest stems from the death of Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a 37-year-old US citizen and mother, who was shot multiple times by an officer from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Wednesday. The shooting occurred during a large-scale immigration enforcement operation that saw a surge of roughly 2,000 federal agents deployed to the city.
Authorities stated the woman was shot as she drove away from a group of officers. The Trump administration swiftly labelled her a "domestic terrorist," claiming she had attempted to run over the ICE agent. However, video evidence from the confrontation appears to contradict this narrative, showing the agent walking away unharmed after the woman's car collided with a lamppost and a parked vehicle.
Political Fury and Calls for Calm
The incident has triggered a sharp political divide. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey made vehement televised appeals for peaceful protest, echoing earlier comments where he demanded ICE "get the fuck out of Minneapolis." He accused the Department of Homeland Security of spinning a "bullshit" self-defence narrative.
In response, some Republican figures, including Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina, called for the resignations of Mayor Frey and Minnesota's Democratic Governor, Tim Walz. Governor Walz had urged protesters with a message on X: "Trump wants a show. Don't give it to him," and indicated he was prepared to deploy the Minnesota National Guard.
From the White House, former President Donald Trump told reporters that Macklin Good "behaved horribly" and had "run him over," despite evidence to the contrary. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed the woman had been "stalking" agents, another assertion not supported by available video which shows her reversing to let an ICE vehicle pass.
Protests Spread and a Community on Edge
The fallout has been immediate and visceral. A demonstration attended by thousands on Wednesday night remained peaceful, but emotions in the city, home to a large Somali community, are described as "on edge and angry." Further protests are planned for Thursday, both in Minneapolis and in other major US cities including New York, Houston, and San Diego.
Secretary Noem confirmed that ICE operations would continue in Minneapolis, underscoring the ongoing tension between federal enforcement actions and local authorities. With schools shuttered and the national guard on standby, the city braces for another day of upheaval, its streets a focal point for the nation's raging debates over immigration and policing.
