Vice President Vance Addresses Minneapolis ICE Operations Amid Growing Controversy
Vice President JD Vance stated his intention to "turn down the chaos" during a roundtable discussion in Minneapolis on Thursday, addressing the significant community disruption caused by ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Vance revealed that President Donald Trump directed him to "Meet these guys halfway" with local leaders to facilitate enforcement actions while attempting to reduce operational tensions.
Fatal Shooting Incident Sparks National Attention
The "chaos" Vance referenced includes the January 7th fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. Multiple videos captured the incident showing Good attempting to drive away before Ross fired multiple shots through her driver's side window. Moments before her death, Good was heard saying "I'm not mad at you," while Ross reportedly responded with "Fucking bitch" after the shooting.
Ross has not faced criminal charges and received support from Border Patrol's Minnesota commander Gregory Bovino, who commented "hats off" regarding the killing. When questioned about DHS killing an American citizen, Bovino's social media account responded with "Triggered much?"
Vance's Evolving Position on Agent Immunity
Initially defending Ross's actions the day after the shooting, Vance claimed the agent was "protected by absolute immunity" and simply "doing his job." However, during Thursday's Minneapolis visit, Vance appeared to modify his stance, acknowledging that federal agents who "violate the law" would face disciplinary consequences, though no action has been taken against Ross to date.
Children Detained in Controversial Operations
ICE operations have extended beyond adult detentions to include children, with 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos recently taken into custody alongside his father and transferred to a Texas detention facility. Columbia Heights School District Superintendent Zena Stenvik revealed at a Wednesday press conference that agents appeared to be "essentially using a 5-year-old as bait" to draw out other family members.
Vance defended the child's detention, arguing that with Liam's father apprehended, authorities couldn't "let a 5-year-old child freeze to death." However, Stenvik countered that an adult present during the abduction "begged the agents to let them take care of the small child, but was refused." Additional children from the same district, including a 10-year-old and 17-year-old, have also been detained with their parents.
Community Experiences Widespread Disruption
Beyond arrests, Minneapolis residents report numerous concerning incidents including ICE agents using chemical weapons against demonstrators, harassing parents taking children to school, and conducting street apprehensions. One woman described having her driver's window shattered by agents while en route to a medical appointment, screaming "I'm autistic and I have a brain injury" as officers carried her away by her limbs.
Vance acknowledged the intimidating nature of these operations, stating that regardless of one's position, "It's a little scary, no matter your position in life, if a bunch of cop cars show up and they're arresting somebody." The Vice President's Minneapolis visit highlights the ongoing tension between federal immigration enforcement priorities and community safety concerns in Minnesota's largest city.
