A woman shot dead by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during a raid in Minneapolis has been identified as Renee Nicole Good, sparking widespread protests and sharp condemnation from Minnesota politicians.

Minneapolis police confirmed that Renee was not the target of the immigration enforcement action, which took place on January 7. The Department of Homeland Security has said the shooting was an act of self-defence, alleging that Renee attempted to run over ICE agents with her car. However, video footage and eyewitness testimony have claimed this to be untrue. 

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey rejected the federal government’s claim outright, calling it “bullsh*t”. “This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying,” he said. Mayor Frey also told ICE to “get the f**k out”.

Footage circulating online shows unmarked ICE vehicles converging on a Honda later identified as Renee’s. As agents approached, one was seen grabbing the car door handle as the vehicle began reversing. Another agent, positioned near the front side of the car, fired at least two shots as the vehicle moved forward, as its wheels turned to the right away from the agents. The car then veered off and crashed at the side of the road, presumably due to Renee Goods’ injuries. Many observers have said this appeared to be an attempt to drive away rather than to strike the officers.

Emily Heller, who witnessed the shooting, told local media that Renee was shot in the face multiple times. Speaking to local media, she said an ICE agent had been standing directly in front of the car. “He pulled out a gun, leaned across the hood and shot her in the face three or four times,” she said.

In another video, a woman identifying Renee as her wife is seen crying near the vehicle, screaming, “That’s my wife, I don’t know what to do!” Her identity has not been made public. Bystanders confronted the officers, with one man identifying himself as a doctor and offering help. “I don’t care,” one agent replied, while another said, “We have our own medics.” Renee was later pronounced dead.

Renee Good was the mother of a six-year-old boy. Friends and family remembered her as a poet, writer and deeply compassionate person. Her mother, Donna Ganger,  speaking to the Minnesota Star Tribune said her daughter was “probably terrified” and described her as “one of the kindest people I’ve ever known”. Thousands gathered for a candlelit vigil in her neighbourhood, chanting her name and honouring her as a caring neighbour who looked out for others.

In the aftermath, Minneapolis Public Schools announced the closure of all schools and district-run activities on Thursday and Friday, citing safety concerns. The district said it would not move to online learning.