Mother of Three Killed by ICE Agent in Minneapolis; Community Seeks Answers
On January 7, 2026, Minneapolis — a city once globally known for its vibrant culture and painful history of police violence — was once again thrust into a national spotlight under tragic circumstances. Renée Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by an agent of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a federal enforcement operation.
Who Was Renée Nicole Good?
Renée Nicole Good was more than a statistic in the ongoing national struggle over immigration enforcement. She was a mother, partner, artist, and neighbor.
Born in Colorado, Good had moved with her family to Minneapolis not long before her death. She was described by loved ones as compassionate, creative, and deeply caring. According to media profiles and social media accounts, she was a poet and writer, often sharing snippets of her creativity and moments with her children online.
Good was the mother of three children: a 15-year-old daughter, a 12-year-old son, and a 6-year-old son. Family members recall her as a dedicated mom who nurtured her children with love and presence.
Her ex-husband, who spoke to reporters, said she had been a stay-at-home mom in recent years and had previously worked in dental assisting and at a credit union. She was also deeply involved in her community, admired for her kindness and generosity.
Despite claims by federal officials that she was involved in violent activities — a characterization deeply disputed by family, neighbors, and local officials — there’s no evidence she had a history of criminal behavior or violent activism.
What Happened on January 7, 2026
The circumstances of Good’s death are still contested, with federal agencies and local witnesses offering differing accounts.
The exact sequence of events is disputed:
Federal officials, including Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokespeople and the Trump administration, have described the shooting as a necessary act of self-defense, alleging Good attempted to strike an agent with her vehicle.
Local officials, eyewitnesses, and bystander videos contradict this narrative, suggesting her vehicle had begun to move away when the agent fired. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly rejected the federal account, calling it a “garbage narrative” inconsistent with video evidence.
The shooting occurred on Portland Avenue in South Minneapolis, not far from Good’s home — only a few blocks away.
Good was pronounced dead later that day at a local hospital. Her sudden death left her children without their mother and sparked immediate shock and pain throughout the community.
Conflicting Narratives and Controversy
As details emerged, what became clear was that Good’s death was not being universally understood the same way.
