Former United States football icon Megan Rapinoe has launched a fierce critique of ex-President Donald Trump and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents following a fatal shooting in Minneapolis. The incident, which resulted in the death of 37-year-old mother-of-three Renee Nicole Good, has ignited nationwide protests and a heated political debate.
A Controversial Death Sparks Outrage
The controversy centres on the shooting of Renee Nicole Good last week. An ICE agent fired the fatal shot, with Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem asserting the act was one of 'self-defence'. Conversely, the Trump administration labelled Good 'a domestic terrorist'. This starkly contrasting narrative has fuelled public anger, leading to demonstrations across the United States.
High-profile figures have entered the fray. NBA coach Steve Kerr was among those to publicly state his belief that Good was 'murdered' by the federal agent. The case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing national discussion about immigration enforcement tactics.
Rapinoe's Vocal Criticism on Podcast
Megan Rapinoe, a longtime and vocal opponent of Donald Trump, has now added her voice to the growing dissent. Speaking on her podcast, 'A Touch More,' the former USWNT star described the situation as 'just so sad'.
Rapinoe argued that the conduct of ICE under the Trump administration has been abnormal. 'They’re knocking people’s phones out of their hands. It’s lawful to do that,' she stated. 'They’re basically intimidating and threatening people not to protest and not to track what they’re doing, and that’s a lot of what was happening in Minneapolis.'
She praised community members for monitoring ICE activities, which she characterised as 'a very unlawful way of doing these immigration raids'. Extending her condolences, Rapinoe said, 'Obviously, our heart goes out to Renee Good’s family and her community.'
Calls for Action and Support for Fellow Athletes
The Olympic gold medallist called for a public response to what she sees as an unacceptable norm. 'I hope that the proverbial people will stand up... whether it’s midterms or elections or out in the streets to say this is not what we want,' Rapinoe urged.
She also expressed admiration for sports figures like Steve Kerr and Doc Rivers who have spoken out. 'This is what I really miss about being an athlete - to be able to interject,' she reflected, noting that such commentary from coaches and players carries significant weight.
Rapinoe saved her sharpest rebuke for the administration's immediate verdict on the incident, accusing them of prejudging the case without investigation. 'It’s the classic Orwell — the last command they told you was not to believe what your eyes are seeing,' she concluded, framing the official response as an attempt to control the narrative.
