What's happened
As of January 18, 2026, over 1,000 protests have taken place across the U.S. under the slogan "ICE, Out for Good," sparked by the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Demonstrations have been largely peaceful but marked by tensions over immigration enforcement and federal investigations, with calls for accountability and reduced ICE presence.
What's behind the headline?
Deepening Divides Over Immigration Enforcement
The nationwide protests reflect a profound polarization in the U.S. over immigration policy and law enforcement tactics. The fatal shooting of Renee Good has become a catalyst for broader dissent against ICE's aggressive deportation campaign under President Trump's administration.
Federal-State Tensions and Jurisdictional Conflicts
Minnesota officials' exclusion from the FBI-led investigation highlights growing federal-state friction, undermining trust in accountability mechanisms. This dynamic fuels public skepticism and intensifies calls for transparency.
The Role of Grassroots Movements
The "No Kings" movement and other left-wing groups have amplified the protests, signaling a sustained, organized resistance to federal immigration policies. Their coordination of over 1,000 events nationwide indicates a strategic effort to maintain pressure on policymakers.
Political Implications and Public Sentiment
The protests have drawn support from local politicians and activists, while also provoking criticism from some Republicans who label the demonstrations as disruptive. This split underscores the contentious political landscape surrounding immigration enforcement.
Forecasting Outcomes
The sustained protests and political pressure will likely compel federal agencies to reconsider ICE operations and policies, especially regarding transparency and community relations. However, given the administration's firm stance on deportations, significant policy shifts may be limited without broader political change.
Impact on the Public
For many Americans, especially immigrant communities, these events underscore the precariousness of their status and the potential for federal overreach. The protests serve as a call to action and a demand for systemic reform in immigration enforcement.
What the papers say
The New York Times' Nate Schweber captures the scale and local political involvement in the protests, noting thousands gathered in New York City chanting against President Trump and ICE, with signs like "Deport Kristi Noem Back to Hell" highlighting anger toward homeland security leadership. The Independent's Ariana Baio emphasizes the nationwide spread of demonstrations, describing chants such as "F*** ICE, ICE out" and highlighting arrests linked to vandalism in Minneapolis, while also noting political divisions with Republican criticism of protest tactics. Al Jazeera and France 24 provide detailed accounts of the Minneapolis protests' emotional intensity, quoting protesters demanding justice for Renee Good and disputing the administration's narrative of self-defense, with footage suggesting Good's vehicle was turning away when shot. The Times of Israel offers insight into the federal-state tensions, reporting Minnesota officials' exclusion from the FBI investigation and the denial of congressional oversight visits to ICE facilities, underscoring legal and jurisdictional conflicts. The Independent's Shweta Sharma outlines the broader political fallout, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's mobilization of the National Guard and calls for halting ICE operations in Portland after related shootings. These varied perspectives collectively illustrate a complex, multifaceted national crisis over immigration enforcement, public trust, and political accountability.
How we got here
The protests erupted following the shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during a large federal operation in Minneapolis. The incident intensified existing tensions over President Donald Trump's mass deportation policies and ICE's role in immigration enforcement, leading to widespread demonstrations and political disputes over jurisdiction and investigation transparency.
Go deeper
- What led to the shooting of Renee Good by ICE?
- How have local and federal authorities responded to the protests?
- What impact are the protests having on immigration policy?
Common question
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Why Are Protests Happening Over the ICE Shooting in Minneapolis?
Recent protests across the U.S. have surged in response to the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Many are demanding accountability and transparency from immigration authorities. But what exactly sparked these demonstrations, and what are protesters hoping to achieve? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding these protests, public opinion shifts, and potential policy impacts.
More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Jacob Lawrence Frey is the mayor of Minneapolis, Minnesota. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, he served on the Minneapolis City Council from 2013 until his election as mayor. Elected mayor in 2017, he was sworn in on January 2,
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Minneapolis is the largest and most populous city in the U.S. state of Minnesota and the seat of Hennepin County, the state's most populous county.
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Kristi Lynn Noem is an American politician who is the 33rd governor of South Dakota, serving since 2019. A member of the Republican Party, she previously served as the U.S.