The wife of a woman fatally shot by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during a major immigration operation in Minneapolis has paid a moving tribute, describing her partner as a person who "sparkled" and was "made of sunshine".
Wife's Heartfelt Tribute Contradicts Official Narrative
Becca, the wife of Renee Nicole Good, issued a statement to local radio following the shooting on Wednesday 7 January 2026. She painted a picture of a kind woman dedicated to her community and family, starkly contrasting the official characterisation of events.
"We stopped to support our neighbours. We had whistles. They had guns," Becca said, summarising the fatal encounter. She described Renee as someone from whom "kindness radiated", adding: "She literally sparkled. I mean, she didn't wear glitter but I swear she had sparkles coming out of her pores."
Renee Good leaves behind three children, the youngest of whom is six years old. Becca vowed to continue teaching their son that "there are people building a better world for him", despite the actions of those who "had fear and anger in their hearts".
Self-Defence Claim Labelled "Garbage" by Local Officials
The Trump administration has stated the shooting was an act of self-defence, alleging Renee Good used her Honda Pilot SUV as a weapon against the agent. This claim forms part of the administration's justification for a large-scale immigration crackdown in the cities of Minneapolis and St Paul.
However, this narrative has been forcefully rejected by state and local authorities. Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey was unequivocal, stating that video evidence shows the self-defence argument was "garbage". Eyewitness footage appears to support this, showing an ICE officer approaching the stationary vehicle, demanding the door be opened, and grabbing the handle.
The recordings then show the SUV beginning to move forward. A different ICE officer, standing in front of the vehicle, drew his weapon and fired at least two shots at close range, jumping back as it moved. It remains unclear from the videos if the vehicle made contact with the officer.
Investigation Sparks Jurisdictional Dispute
The aftermath of the shooting has ignited a significant conflict over who should investigate. The operation itself, described by the Department of Homeland Security as its biggest ever, involved over 2,000 officers and led to more than 1,500 arrests.
Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem has asserted that the state of Minnesota has no jurisdiction in the case. Consequently, the FBI and US Justice Department have informed the Minnesota agency that investigates officer-involved shootings that they will not cooperate with it, effectively blocking a state-level probe.
This move has provoked outrage from Minnesota governor Tim Walz, who has demanded the state be allowed to participate. Governor Walz argued it would be "very difficult for Minnesotans" to accept that an investigation excluding the state could be fair or thorough.
The tragic incident, occurring on the second day of the controversial immigration sweep, has left a family in mourning and a community grappling with questions of accountability, use of force, and federal overreach.
