Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is facing serious criticism over his recent remarks regarding the shooting of Renee Nicole Good. The incident has sparked national controversy, particularly due to Frey’s failure to mention that Good was armed when she was shot by federal immigration officer Jonathan Ross. In a video statement, Frey claimed to have witnessed a “video of more than six masked agents pummeling one of our constituents and shooting him to death,” and he posed a direct question: “How many more residents, how many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end?”
Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident and self-identified legal observer of federal law enforcement, was shot on January 7, 2026. This altercation unfolded at approximately 9:30 a.m. in south Minneapolis. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security assert that Good was in possession of a firearm and that the shooting was executed in self-defense. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reported, “An ICE officer, fearing for his life, fired defensive shots.”
However, conflicting narratives surround the shooting and are causing public unrest. Bystander footage reveals ICE agents surrounding Good’s vehicle as an agent commanded her to exit. Moments later, officer Ross discharged his weapon three times, shooting through the windshield and the side window. The official portrayal of the incident suggests that Good’s vehicle posed a direct threat; however, analysis from various news outlets indicates that Ross was not directly in the path of her car, raising questions about the justification for the use of lethal force.
Adding to the controversy is the abrupt removal of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) from the investigation. With the FBI now in sole control, Governor Tim Walz has publicly expressed his concerns, urging, “Don’t believe this propaganda machine.” This lack of transparency only fuels further suspicion of a cover-up and has prompted state officials, including the Minnesota Attorney General and the Hennepin County Attorney, to demand a full review of the case materials.
Community response has been powerful. Vigils and marches have become commonplace throughout Minneapolis as residents express their grief and anger. Tragic incidents like this produce a ripple effect, with nearby schools canceling classes due to escalating tensions. Supporters of Good have characterized her as a compassionate figure within the community, and the online fundraising campaign to support her family has raised over $1.2 million.
The incident in Minneapolis is not isolated. Following Good’s shooting, federal agents in Portland opened fire during a roadside stop, injuring two Venezuelan nationals. As in Minneapolis, claims of self-defense by ICE have been met with skepticism, particularly due to the lack of corroborating video evidence. Mayor Keith Wilson of Portland voiced his frustration with the federal narrative, saying, “There was a time when we could take them at their word. That time is long past.”
Both cities find themselves amidst a broader federal crackdown initiated on January 5, which involves over 2,000 agents targeting criminal gangs and immigration fraud operations. Critics argue that the deployment of heavily armed federal agents in urban neighborhoods increases the risk to civilians. According to ICE reports, there have been numerous incidents of bystanders interfering with enforcement activities, yet no agents have sustained serious injuries. This situation has led ICE to heighten its security measures, which some view as an unnecessary escalation.
Back in Minneapolis, federal facilities now operate behind concrete barriers and fencing, with additional checkpoints established nearby. Reports suggest that agents, many of whom are from other states, are now undergoing emergency de-escalation training due to the backlash.
Amid this tension, Mayor Frey’s statements have drawn criticism from former law enforcement officials. Retired police lieutenant Mark Dantonio emphasized the importance of credibility in leadership, stating, “The mayor’s job is to lead, not inflame. Honesty matters—even in criticism.” Frey’s neglect to mention Good’s firearm has raised eyebrows, especially as accusations of inflaming tensions spread.
Now, there are growing calls for independent oversight of federal law enforcement in urban areas. Leaders from both Minneapolis and Portland have requested independent commissions to address these shooting incidents. The FBI’s control over the cases has yet to be challenged, leaving many unanswered questions about accountability.
As investigations proceed, the facts remain in dispute. However, one reality stands out: the ramifications of this federal crackdown, paired with the lethal use of force, continue to haunt Minneapolis, widening the rift between communities and the federal forces policing their streets.
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