The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency pledges to protect public safety, but it is creating a massive divide among the American people instead. The backlash and arguments over ICE’s actions are leading to an alienated country and a grim outlook for our people.
A devastating death occurred in Minneapolis when Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on Jan. 7. Good was a mother of three and only 37 years old.
In her Honda Pilot, Good was partially blocking traffic on a residential street when she was approached by Ross. A conversation ensued between Good, Ross and Good’s wife, Becca, who stepped out from the passenger side. The confrontation ended with Good attempting to drive away and Ross firing his weapon, shooting through the driver’s seat window.
The shooting has sparked national debate. With different video angles and witnesses, many have made their own interpretations of the incident, causing further division. Some say Ross’ actions were self-defense, while others say that Good was not a threat at all.
The violent altercation has only fueled the fire between our political figures. President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Good of trying to use her vehicle to harm or kill ICE agents. Noem went as far as to call it an “act of domestic terrorism.”
On the opposing side, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey demanded that ICE “get the f*** out of Minneapolis,” and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called the shooting “totally avoidable.” Minnesota Police Chief Brian O’Hara also shared strong statements.
“This egregious disregard for human dignity is appalling,” O’Hara said. “It is deeply concerning that there appears to be a lack of accountability from our federal partners.”
Trump’s ongoing immigration crackdown is a major topic of controversy, as ICE has been seen using aggressive tactics on immigrants and bystanders. This past year was the agency’s deadliest year in over two decades, with 32 people having died in ICE custody. In December 2025, 68,440 people were being held in detention, with about 75 percent having no criminal convictions.
Good’s death serves as another reminder of our country’s systemic issues of political polarization and injustice.
This comes more than five years after George Floyd’s death, which also took place in Minneapolis. The parallels between extreme government actions and police brutality are concerning and detrimental to our local and national communities.
The weekend following Good’s death, over 1,000 events were planned in support of the movement “ICE Out For Good Weekend of Action.” It was organized by Indivisible, a progressive grassroots coalition of activists who aim to resist the Trump agenda fight for more progressive policies.
A protest occurred in Milwaukee at Cathedral Square Park on Jan. 9. Around 500-700 protesters attended, a significant increase from the 150 who gathered outside the Milwaukee Federal Immigration Office on the day of the shooting.
These protests not only demand justice for Good; they allude to significant issues within our government system. They are highlighting the rift between political parties and citizens, demonstrating the disastrous outcomes of populism.
Instead of taking responsibility and making a government for the people, Democrats and Republicans are blaming one another. Policies are inconsistent from a lack of leadership, resulting in injuries and death.
These incidents, no matter how fatal, are no longer a warning sign. They are the brutal reality of what America has become — a fearmongering country with divisive leaders.
This story was written by Rachel Lopera. She can be reached at [email protected]
