The Trump administration has announced it will send hundreds more federal officers to Minneapolis just days after the shooting of a woman by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in the city.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Fox News that the additional personnel are being deployed to enhance the safety of ICE and Border Patrol officials working in Minneapolis.
The incident that triggered this decision involved 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was shot on Wednesday. Protests against immigration enforcement erupted in cities across the nation following her death.
Noem asserts the agent involved acted in self-defense, while local officials argue Good posed no significant danger.
In a further statement, Noem indicated that the additional officers will arrive today and tomorrow, warning that any efforts to hinder their operations could result in legal consequences. If people conduct violent activities against law enforcement or impede our operations, that’s a crime, and we will hold them accountable, said Noem.
Following the announcement, significant protests unfolded in Minneapolis, with organizers claiming tens of thousands participated in the ICE out of Minnesota rally. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey described the protests as peaceful, although police reported 31 arrests related to demonstrations on the preceding Friday and Saturday.
Noem's Position and Local Response
Noem, speaking to CNN, reiterated her characterization of Good’s actions as domestic terrorism, an assertion disputed by Mayor Frey, who emphasized that Good’s behavior appeared to be an attempt to turn around to leave the scene.
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith has accused the Trump administration of attempting to downplay the incident and issue a cover-up, stating to ABC News that the local area and national community are skeptical of the federal claims regarding the shooting.
Visual evidence from the incident shows ICE agents confronting a vehicle in the street and demanding the driver exit. As the vehicle attempted to drive away, gunfire erupted. Good's wife reported they had come to the scene to support neighbors involved in an immigration enforcement activity.
The FBI has confirmed it will investigate the shooting, while local Minnesota officials have sought to initiate their own inquiry after expressing concerns over federal oversight.
