Local and national protests, vigils, and grassroots responses to the Renee Good killing and ICE violence

Nearly seven months after the tragic killing of Indigenous immigrant rights advocate Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026, the nationwide movement demanding justice, accountability, and systemic reform has not only persisted but deepened in scope and intensity. New revelations regarding the circumstances of Renee Good’s death, ongoing grassroots resistance, expanding political pressure, and cultural mobilization continue to shape this pivotal moment in the struggle against ICE violence and institutional impunity.

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Minneapolis: The Unyielding Epicenter of Resistance Amid Escalating Arrests and Intimidation

Minneapolis remains the heart of the movement, where weekly protests consistently draw hundreds of activists from Indigenous communities, immigrant rights groups, faith-based organizations, and allies. These gatherings have grown more confrontational and diverse in tactics, reflecting a collective refusal to accept silence or injustice:

• At the Whipple Federal Building, recent demonstrations led to over 50 arrests after police declared assemblies unlawful, highlighting the fraught and often hostile relationship between federal enforcement and grassroots activists. These mass arrests have sparked further outrage and calls for de-escalation.

• The public memorial dedicated to Renee Good suffered a violent setback when it was targeted in a recent arson attack. Community leaders widely condemned the attack as an intimidation tactic aimed at silencing mourning and resistance. Yet, organizers and the Good family responded with renewed determination, declaring that “the movement will not be silenced” and that the memorial would be rebuilt and fortified as a symbol of resilience.

• Beyond Minneapolis, solidarity protests continue nationwide, with cities like Birmingham, Alabama, hosting “ICE Out For Good” demonstrations. These actions underscore how Renee Good’s killing transcends regional boundaries, uniting a broad coalition committed to ending ICE violence.

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New Revelations: Forensic Reports and Disturbing ICE Internal Language Deepen Concerns

Investigative reporting has shed new light on the brutal nature of Renee Good’s killing and the toxic culture within ICE:

• A recent forensic report revealed that Renee Good suffered four gunshot wounds and bled from her ear, indicating the severity and trauma of the shooting. The details challenge earlier official narratives and intensify demands for full transparency.

• Troubling internal communications within ICE have surfaced, exposing that some agents referred to the killings of Renee Good and fellow advocate Alex Pretti with the phrase “cleaning house.” Experts warn this language reflects a dehumanizing, militarized mindset that normalizes violence against immigrant communities.

• Dr. Angela Martinez, a criminal justice scholar, noted, "Such language is emblematic of a dangerous culture that detaches agents from the humanity of those they target, perpetuating a cycle of systemic violence."

These revelations have significantly intensified calls for comprehensive reform of ICE’s internal culture and accountability mechanisms.

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Political and Civic Responses: Growing Pressure and Calls for Transparency

The killing of Renee Good has ignited increasing political engagement and public scrutiny at local, state, and national levels:

• Congressional representatives Ilhan Omar and Betty McCollum visited protest sites in Minneapolis, amplifying activists’ demands. Omar stated in a livestream, "This is a community demanding accountability, and their voices cannot be ignored."

• State Representative Gina Hinojosa renewed calls for the immediate and full release of all body camera footage and investigative materials related to the shooting, emphasizing, "Without full disclosure, justice remains out of reach."

• The Takoma Park City Council issued a joint statement condemning ICE’s actions and expressing solidarity with Renee Good’s family and the movement, signaling local governmental condemnation beyond Minnesota.

• Despite the high-profile nature of the case, President Donald Trump’s recent State of the Union address omitted any mention of Renee Good or Alex Pretti, a fact noted by activists and media as an erasure of the victims and an indication of the political stakes involved.

• On the legal front, an individual named Larson has been federally charged under 18 U.S.C. § 115 for alleged retaliation against federal officers linked to activist activities, marking a new phase of federal intervention in the escalating tensions between ICE and resistance groups.

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Tactical and Cultural Sustainment: Art, Faith, and Digital Mobilization Fuel the Movement

Artistic expression and faith-based organizing continue to play crucial roles in sustaining the movement’s emotional strength and public visibility:

• The “ICE Out” snow sculpture at Lake of the Isles remains a powerful emblem of peaceful resistance and collective mourning through Minnesota’s winter.

• Professional dancers recently staged a moving reenactment of the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during an anti-ICE protest, attracting national media attention and sparking conversations about art’s role in confronting state violence.

• Globally recognized band U2 released a new six-song EP titled “Days of Ash,” opening with a tribute to Renee Good. This artistic homage has amplified her story on an international scale, symbolizing the intersection of culture and activism.

• Social media continues to be a battleground and amplifier: a viral video set to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born In The U.S.A.” challenges dominant immigration enforcement narratives, while the Threads conversation titled “You mean Jonathan Ross, the murderer?” sustains public focus on the ICE agent responsible.

• The Good family, particularly brothers Luke and Brent Ganger, remain deeply involved, collaborating with local Quaker communities and faith-based groups to organize nonviolent protests and educational forums, bridging personal grief with broader collective action.

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Operational Context: ICE Drawdown and Ongoing Federal Scrutiny

The operational landscape of ICE in Minnesota is shifting amid sustained pressure:

• From a peak deployment of over 4,000 federal agents during Operation Sovereign Borders, the number of ICE officers in Minnesota has shrunk to just under 1,000, with further departures reported this month. This drawdown reflects both logistical recalibration and the impact of public resistance.

• Despite troop reductions, federal scrutiny and legal actions remain intense, as authorities navigate the complex dynamics of enforcement, resistance, and public accountability.

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Current Status and Outlook

As of mid-2026, the movement sparked by Renee Nicole Good’s killing stands as a dynamic and multifaceted force demanding justice, transparency, and fundamental reform:

• Weekly protests and acts of civil disobedience persist in Minneapolis, with widespread solidarity demonstrations nationwide.

• Memorials, artistic tributes, and cultural events remain vital for community healing and sustaining political pressure.

• New forensic and internal ICE revelations have exposed troubling details about the killing and agency culture, fueling intensified calls for systemic reform.

• Political pressure from elected officials and local governments grows, demanding transparency and accountability.

• Federal legal involvement through charges like those against Larson signals ongoing tensions and enforcement of federal laws amid activist resistance.

• Digital activism and cultural mobilization continue to expand the movement’s reach and humanize the struggle for immigrant and Indigenous rights.

Despite attempts at intimidation—including the arson attack on Renee Good’s memorial—the movement’s resilience is unmistakable. The convergence of family-led advocacy, faith-based organizing, artistic expression, legal pressure, and digital mobilization ensures that demands for justice and systemic reform remain firmly in the national spotlight.

Renee Good’s legacy endures as a powerful catalyst for immigrant and Indigenous rights, inspiring a broad coalition committed to ending ICE violence and transforming immigration enforcement practices across the United States.