US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has firmly reiterated her support for an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis, labelling the incident an act of self-defence against "domestic terrorism." This stance has been met with fierce opposition from local authorities and eyewitnesses, with video evidence appearing to contradict the official account.
Conflicting Narratives Over Fatal Encounter
Speaking at a press conference in New York City on Thursday, Noem detailed the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) version of events leading to the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good. The secretary claimed Good had been following and harassing ICE agents during operations and had used her vehicle "as a weapon," attempting to run over the officer. "They're already trying to spin this as an action of self-defence," countered Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat. "Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly: that is bullshit."
Frey dismissed the DHS narrative as "garbage," a sentiment echoed by other Minnesota leaders. Crucially, video footage of the Wednesday shooting shows Good's vehicle turning away from the officer at the moment he opened fire, undermining the claim she was driving directly at him.
Investigation Taken Over by FBI, Sparking Tensions
The fallout from the incident has extended to the investigation itself. On Thursday, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) announced it was "reluctantly" withdrawing from the case. Federal officials informed the BCA that the FBI would lead the probe solely, cutting off state access to evidence and interviews needed for an independent investigation.
When questioned about this, Noem stated the BCA "doesn't have any jurisdiction" in the matter and had not been improperly excluded. The shooting occurred amid a heightened DHS presence in Minnesota, linked to fraud investigations involving Somali residents. Noem added she was "not opposed" to sending more federal agents to Minneapolis if required for safety.
National Protests and Political Repercussions
The killing has ignited protests across the United States. Demonstrations against ICE and the shooting were held in multiple cities on Wednesday night, with more planned for Thursday in major hubs including New York City and Chicago. Democratic leaders in Minnesota have called for ICE to leave the state and urged peaceful protest.
Noem's press conference also touched on the reaction from New York City's new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who called the shooting "the latest horror in a year full of cruelty." Noem expressed hope that Mayor Mamdani would "work with us" on immigration enforcement, noting that while his communication with the President was productive, dialogue with DHS and the NYPD had not been.
The case continues to develop, highlighting deep divisions over immigration enforcement tactics and accountability, with a community mourning a woman described as a "poet, writer, wife, mom."
