Recent Federal Immigration Officer Shootings in Minneapolis Prompt Investigations and Outcry
Minneapolis has recently experienced multiple shooting incidents involving federal immigration officers, resulting in two fatalities and one injury. These events have triggered investigations by both federal and state agencies, while also eliciting strong reactions from local and state officials concerning the tactics and presence of federal immigration enforcement in the city. Reports from federal agencies and local authorities have presented conflicting accounts of the incidents.
Fatal Shooting of Renee Macklin Good on January 7
On January 7, an individual identified as 37-year-old Renee Macklin Good was fatally shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis. Notably, one source reported this date as January 7, 2026, though other sources referencing context from the Trump administration suggest an earlier year.
The incident occurred during targeted operations conducted by ICE officers. According to Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, individuals identified as "rioters" began blocking ICE officers. McLaughlin further stated that one individual "weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them," describing the action as "an act of domestic terrorism." An ICE officer reportedly "fired defensive shots," citing fear for his life, the lives of his fellow officers, and public safety.
Video footage, purportedly from the scene and shared on social media, depicted ICE officers arriving at a street where several cars were parked. In the video, a woman was heard saying, "Get the f--- out of our neighborhood." ICE agents were then seen exiting their vehicle and approaching a car blocking the roadway, instructing the driver to exit. The vehicle subsequently moved backward slightly before proceeding forward. Within approximately three seconds of the car's movement, at least three shots were fired by the agents. Following the gunfire, the vehicle crashed into another car further down the street. Individuals present in the video were heard reacting to the event.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly contested the DHS account, stating it was an attempt to "spin this as an action of self-defense" and calling the claim "bull*."**
Mayor Frey asserted that the incident involved "an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying" and called for ICE agents to leave the city, alleging they were causing disruption.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara reported that local police arrived to find a woman with a gunshot wound to the head. Life-saving measures, including CPR, were performed before she was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Preliminary information indicated the woman was in her vehicle, blocking Portland Avenue between 33rd and 34th St. A federal law enforcement officer approached on foot, and the vehicle then began to drive off. At least two shots were fired, and the car subsequently crashed.
Chief O'Hara expressed concerns regarding the tactics employed by federal immigration agents, noting that while deadly force can be justified, most U.S. law enforcement agencies are trained to minimize its need.
He specifically stated that a shooting into a vehicle of someone who is not armed is "very concerning" to professional law enforcement agencies.
The investigation into the use of deadly force was transferred to the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celia on January 14
On January 14, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celia was shot in the leg during an altercation with immigration officials in Minneapolis. No further details regarding this incident were provided.
Fatal Shooting of 37-year-old Male on a Saturday Morning
A separate fatal shooting involving federal immigration officers occurred on a Saturday morning following the January 14 incident, marking the third shooting involving Border Patrol agents in the city this year. The deceased was identified as a 37-year-old white male resident of Minneapolis.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), federal law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted operation against an individual believed to be undocumented, armed, and wanted for violent assault. DHS reported that the deceased, identified as "another individual," approached the agents with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The agency stated that officers attempted to disarm this individual, but the armed individual resisted. DHS indicated that the individual possessed two gun magazines and no identification, leading a federal officer to fear for their life and fire defensive shots.
The agency also commented, "This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement."
Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino reiterated that officers attempted to disarm the individual, who he reported "violently resisted."
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara presented a differing account regarding the deceased, stating that the victim was a 37-year-old white male resident of Minneapolis, believed to be a U.S. citizen. O'Hara indicated that the individual's only known police interactions were for traffic tickets and that he was believed to be a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. The individual sustained multiple gunshot wounds, potentially from more than one federal officer, and was pronounced dead at Hennepin County Medical Center. Chief O'Hara noted that the Minneapolis Police Department was not provided with any public safety statement regarding the incident.
Following this shooting, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz posted on social media, expressing strong disapproval of the event. Walz indicated he spoke with a White House representative after the shooting and called for federal immigration operations in Minnesota to immediately end.