Protests held in US cities after woman shot dead

Protests were held across Minneapolis on Wednesday following the fatal shooting of a woman by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, an incident that has intensified national debate over immigration enforcement and the use of force by federal officers.

The woman, identified as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, was shot at approximately 10:25 local time (16:25 GMT) during an ICE operation in the city. Authorities said the incident occurred amid heightened immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota, which has seen an increase in federal operations in recent weeks.

In a statement posted on X, US Vice-President JD Vance described the death as tragic while placing responsibility on the victim’s actions. “You can accept that this woman’s death is a tragedy while acknowledging it’s a tragedy of her own making,” Vance wrote. He added that individuals should not “illegally interfere in federal law enforcement operations” or attempt to endanger officers, saying, “It’s really that simple.”

The shooting has drawn widespread public reaction, with demonstrators gathering to demand transparency, accountability, and a reassessment of enforcement tactics. Protesters called for a full and open investigation into the circumstances surrounding Good’s death, while also urging political leaders to address community concerns over the impact of aggressive immigration policies.

The incident comes against the backdrop of significant policy changes under President Donald Trump’s administration. In November, Trump ended a long-standing protection programme for Somali residents living in Minnesota, a state that is home to the largest population of Somali immigrants in the United States. The move heightened anxiety within immigrant communities, many of whom have lived in the state for decades and are deeply integrated into its social and economic life.

Weeks after ending the programme, Trump made comments indicating he did not want Somali immigrants in the US, saying they should “go back to where they came from” and describing their country as “no good for a reason.” Those remarks drew strong criticism from civil rights groups and community leaders, who warned that such rhetoric could inflame tensions and contribute to fear among minority communities.

Despite the anger and grief sparked by the shooting, local leaders and community organisers have emphasised peaceful protest and constructive dialogue. Many demonstrators said their goal is not only justice for Renee Nicole Good, but also meaningful engagement with authorities to ensure clearer rules of engagement, better communication, and safer outcomes during law enforcement operations.

As investigations continue, Minnesota officials have reiterated their commitment to cooperation with federal authorities while also prioritising public safety and community trust.