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Family of Renee Good release heartbreaking statement after her death in Minnesota ICE shooting
The family of Renee Good has released a statement as Minneapolis grapples with protests following the fatal shooting of mom of three by an ICE agent on January 7.
Good, 37, described herself as a “poet and writer and wife and mom” who had recently moved from Kansas City, Missouri.
Her death has triggered demonstrations across the Twin Cities, growing tensions between local officials and federal authorities, and widespread calls for federal oversight of law enforcement actions.
The ICE agent involved was part of a specially trained tactical unit within ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Court records linked the officer to a separate incident six months earlier in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Local investigations have become contested as the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was removed from the probe, leaving the FBI as the sole investigative authority. Thousands of residents and activists have marched in multiple demonstrations and vigils since the shooting.
Many in the community have expressed distress over the presence of federal agents. Minneapolis Public Schools and Fridley schools closed for a day as educators called for agents to stay off school property following reports of aggressive federal tactics at Roosevelt High School.
Local leaders have challenged narratives from federal officials about the circumstances of the shooting.
Family shares memories of Renee Good
Good’s family released a statement remembering her warmth, support, and presence in their lives. “She was the beautiful light of our family and brought joy to anyone she met. She was relentlessly hopeful and optimistic which was contagious. We all already miss her more than words could ever express,” the family wrote, per CBS.
They described her as someone who cared for friends, family and even strangers, saying she “gave everything she had to take care of her friends and family, and indeed people she never met.” They added that Good’s memory lives on in shared moments of comfort, laughter and support among loved ones.
In a separate statement, Good’s wife emphasized Good’s belief in kindness as fundamental. "This kindness of strangers is the most fitting tribute because if you ever encountered my wife, Renee Nicole Macklin Good, you know that above all else, she was kind. In fact, kindness radiated out of her," she said.
She also spoke of the three children Good leaves behind and the challenge of raising them without her.
Protests, political debate and calls for transparency
Demonstrations in Minneapolis have ranged from peaceful marches to clashes near federal facilities. At the Whipple Federal Building on Sunday night law enforcement used pepper balls and tear gas to disperse crowds gathered to protest. Protesters said they were voicing opposition to ICE operations and the federal response.
“Its sad. It should not have to be like this. People are still not afraid. We’re standing here and standing our ground. This is what it means to be a Minnesotan. This is what it means to be an American. Helping each other,” said Barisa Iresso, a protester from St. Paul.
Political leaders have weighed in strongly. Mayor Jacob Frey questioned federal accounts of the incident and criticized ongoing ICE actions in the city.
“The story that’s coming out of this from the federal government is that this ICE agent was hit and run over by a car,” Frey said, adding, “If he was hit and run over by a car, how the hell is he still holding on to his cell phone afterwards?” Senator Tina Smith called for more congressional oversight of the Department of Homeland Security and argued for local law enforcement participation in the investigation of Good’s death.
Federal officials have also defended their actions, with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announcing that hundreds more federal agents are being deployed to Minnesota to support operations. Local, state and national responses continue to evolve as this story develops.