Nationwide Protests Erupt Following ICE Shooting in Minneapolis and Portland
January 12, 2026 – A wave of nationwide protests is building momentum following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother and activist, by an ICE agent in Minneapolis and the shooting of two Venezuelan immigrants in Portland, Oregon. Demonstrations are occurring across the country as communities express outrage over what organizers describe as a pattern of unchecked violence and abuse by federal immigration enforcement agencies. The protests highlight a growing national conversation surrounding ICE’s tactics and accountability.
The Events Sparking Outrage
The immediate catalyst for the protests was the shooting of Good, who was volunteering with a neighborhood patrol documenting ICE activity in Minneapolis when she was fatally shot on Thursday. According to reports, Good was in her vehicle when the incident occurred. The White House has defended the agent’s actions, claiming Good attempted to ram the officer, necessitating the use of force. However, video footage of the encounter, which has circulated widely online, shows the agent firing three shots at point-blank range as Good attempted to drive away, with at least one shot appearing to enter the side of her vehicle [1].
Simultaneous with the outrage surrounding Good’s death, protests also ignited following the shooting of two Venezuelan immigrants outside a portland hospital by border agents. Details surrounding the Portland shooting remain developing, though it has amplified calls for federal accountability.
A Surge in Demonstrations and Calls for Accountability
Organizers of the “ICE out For Good” rallies swiftly responded, announcing a nationwide weekend of action. These protests, supported by groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), are intended to honor Good’s life, demand accountability for the shootings, and expose the human cost of ICE’s enforcement actions [2].
Demonstrations have been reported in major cities including New York City, Austin, Texas, Minneapolis, and smaller towns across the country. In Minneapolis, Mayor Jacob Frey, a vocal critic of ICE, stated that the “vast majority” of protests were peaceful [3]. However, the heightened tensions underscore the deep frustration within communities impacted by immigration enforcement.
Minnesota Representatives Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig, and kelly Morrison further fueled the controversy by accusing ICE of obstructing Congressional oversight duties, citing being restricted to a mere ten minutes during a facility visit. Representative Craig stated, “They do not care that they are violating federal law,” highlighting concerns over transparency and accountability within the agency.
Plummeting Public Support for ICE
These protests occur against a backdrop of declining public confidence in ICE. A recent YouGov poll,conducted on the same day as Good’s death,revealed that 52% of Americans disapprove of ICE’s performance,compared to 39% who approve [2]. Interestingly, 44% of adults surveyed expressed approval of the recent protests.
This shift in public opinion is a significant departure from earlier years. YouGov data indicates a net approval rating of +16 for ICE in February 2025 at the beginning of former President Trump’s more aggressive deportation policies. However, this figure has steadily declined, reaching a net disapproval of -14 by November 2025, demonstrating a clear trend of eroding public trust.
The Broader Context: ICE and Shifting Immigration policy
The current wave of protests isn’t an isolated event. It is embedded within a long-standing debate about the role and tactics of ICE, particularly as they relate to immigrant communities and the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Established in 2003, Immigration and Customs Enforcement was formed as a response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, pulling enforcement functions from the former Immigration and Naturalization Service.
Over the years, ICE’s focus has broadened, leading to increased interior enforcement, including workplace raids, deportations of long-term residents, and heightened scrutiny of communities with significant immigrant populations. Critics argue that these tactics create fear, disrupt families, and often target vulnerable individuals.
The recent incidents, coupled with the declining approval ratings, have reignited calls for considerable reforms to immigration enforcement policies. These include increased transparency, autonomous oversight of ICE, and a shift towards more humane and community-based alternatives to detention and deportation.
Looking Ahead
The protests are expected to continue in the coming days and weeks, prompting further dialog about immigration policy and the role of federal enforcement agencies. The demand for accountability in the Good shooting specifically, and for broader reform within ICE, is likely to intensify.
The calls for the removal of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem,for her defense of the agent involved in Good’s death,underscore the depth of the frustration and the growing movement demanding a essential change in approach to immigration enforcement.
Ultimately, the events unfolding now represent a critical juncture in the ongoing debate over immigration in the United States. The future direction of ICE and the treatment of immigrant communities will likely be shaped by the outcome of these protests and the public pressure they generate.
