A fatal shooting during a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Minneapolis has sparked controversy, with conflicting narratives emerging about the victim, 37-year-old mother-of-three Renee Nicole Good. The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
Activist or Bystander?
According to a report from the New York Post, Good was not an innocent bystander but an active participant in efforts to disrupt federal immigration raids. The publication cites sources describing her as an anti-ICE "warrior" who worked to "document and resist" enforcement actions in the city, where she had recently moved after a brief period living in Canada with her wife, Rebecca, 40.
"She was a warrior. She died doing what was right," a mother named Leesa, whose child attended the same school as Good's six-year-old son, told the Post. "I know she was doing the right thing."
Connection to Activist Networks
Good's involvement reportedly stemmed from the community at the Southside Family Charter School, a K-5 academy described as "unabashedly dedicated to social justice education." Through this network, she became involved with "ICE Watch," a coalition of activists in the sanctuary city of Minneapolis who aim to alert communities and interfere with ICE raids using methods like phone apps and whistles.
Former school gym teacher Rashad Rich confirmed to the Post that many parents in the tight-knit community were activists. Leesa added that Good had received training on how to interact with ICE agents, including knowing her rights and using whistles as an alarm.
The report notes that ICE Watch has recently aligned with more radical groups, including the Twin Cities Ungovernables.
The Fatal Encounter and Aftermath
Good was shot in the head and killed as her SUV moved toward two ICE officers conducting an operation. An investigation is underway to determine if she was attempting to flee or if the vehicle was used with malicious intent. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has characterized the shooting as an act of self-defence, alleging the Goods had been "stalking and harassing" agents throughout the day.
Federal officials point to a dramatic increase in vehicular attacks against ICE personnel, with 66 incidents recorded between January 21, 2025, and January 7, 2026, compared to just two the prior year. They blame "radical rhetoric from sanctuary politicians."
At the scene, Good's wife, Rebecca, who was confronting agents outside the vehicle, was filmed sobbing, "It's my fault. I made her come down here... They shot her in the head. I have a 6-year-old in school."
The couple had previously left the United States for Canada after Donald Trump won the 2024 election before settling in Minneapolis, a former neighbour told KMBC.
