A fatal shooting involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis has triggered outrage and sharp questions over federal enforcement tactics, as eyewitnesses challenge official claims that the agent acted in self-defence.
The incident occurred around 9:30 am on Wednesday, when residents alerted neighbors about the presence of ICE vehicles in the area. According to an eyewitness, Emily Heller, what followed was a chaotic and frightening encounter that ended with a woman shot multiple times at close range.
What Happened During the ICE Operation in Minneapolis
Heller said she stepped outside her home after hearing whistles and car horns used by community members to warn others about ICE activity. She then saw a woman, later identified as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, sitting in a vehicle that had stopped a convoy of six or seven ICE vehicles on a one-way street.
“The ICE agents got out of their vehicles and were screaming at her to ‘move, move, move,’” Heller said. “She wasn’t moving at first, and then they came over to her side of the car and tried to open the door, I assume to drag her out.”
a video taken by the eyewitness, Emily Heller, shows agents denying a self-identified physician access to the victim and telling bystanders to “just relax.” pic.twitter.com/tDvyP7udDh
— Jessica Schulberg (@jessicaschulb) January 7, 2026
Eyewitness Account Challenges Self-Defence Narrative
Heller strongly disputed claims that the agent fired in self-defence. She described Good as terrified and attempting to leave the area.
“She was obviously scared — she was going to leave,” Heller said. “She reversed a little bit and then started to move forward. And as she was starting to move forward, one of the ICE agents stood in front of her car, leaned across her hood and then fired three or four shots right into, it seemed like, her face.”
Video footage recorded by bystanders appears to support Heller’s account, showing armed agents surrounding the car and attempting to open the driver’s door moments before shots were fired.
Who Was Renee Nicole Good?
Good’s family described her as compassionate and devoted to others. “One of the kindest people I’ve ever known,” her mother, Donna Ganger, said. “She’s taken care of people all her life. She was loving, forgiving and affectionate. She was an amazing human being.”
Good leaves behind a young son, whose father died in 2023. “There’s nobody else in his life,” the child’s grandfather said. “I’ll drive. I’ll fly. To come get my grandchild.”
DHS Responds, Witness Pushes Back
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Good committed an “act of domestic terrorism” by attempting to ram ICE officers with her vehicle, claiming the agent “acted quickly and defensively” to protect lives.
“No way,” Heller said in response. The agent who fired, she said, “put himself in front of her.”
After the Shooting: Delayed Medical Response
After Good was shot, her vehicle continued forward before crashing into a telephone pole and parked cars. Heller said emergency responders arrived about 15 minutes later, and she saw no immediate life-saving efforts.
“She was just in her car, slumped. There was no life-saving measures. There was nothing,” Heller said.
In video footage, a bystander asks permission to check Good’s pulse, identifying himself as a physician.
“No! Back up! Now!” a voice responds.
“I’m a physician,” the man says.
“I don’t care,” the voice replies.
An armed agent tells the crowd that their medics are coming and asks people to stay calm. Heller’s voice can be heard responding angrily: “How can I relax? You just killed my fucking neighbor.”
Growing Concerns Over ICE Use of Force
The incident adds to broader concerns about federal immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s second term, during which several cases have emerged where official accounts were later questioned or charges dropped.
For residents in Heller’s neighborhood, the shooting has left lasting fear. “They’re untrained, they are unprofessional, and they’re now murderers,” she said. “It feels like my neighborhood is being terrorized.”
As investigations continue, the case has intensified scrutiny over ICE operations, use of force, and accountability — with growing demands for transparency and justice.
