Federal authorities on Wednesday defended the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents involved in a fatal shooting during an enforcement operation in Minnesota. At the same time, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz criticized the federal response and said the incident could have been avoided.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the shooting occurred after ICE agents encountered resistance during an operation in a residential neighborhood. Federal officials said agents perceived an imminent threat and described the use of force as self-defense. The department has characterized the incident as an act of domestic terrorism. President Donald Trump also publicly defended the ICE agent involved.
Video posted to social media shows agents approaching a Honda Pilot stopped in the roadway. One officer is seen pulling on the vehicle’s door handle and ordering the driver to exit. As the car begins to move, a second officer positioned in front of the SUV draws his weapon and fires at least two shots at close range before jumping back. The SUV then struck two parked vehicles and came to a stop. Emergency medical technicians attempted lifesaving measures on the driver, later identified as Renee Nicole Good, 37, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said at a press conference that Good had been “stalking and impeding” agents throughout the day and repeatedly failed to comply with commands to stop obstructing law enforcement. Video from the scene shows Good telling agents to “go around” her vehicle shortly before the shooting. It remains unclear from the footage if the car made contact with the officer positioned in front of it.
Later in the interview, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she was praying for the ICE officer injured during the incident and also urged the public to pray for Good’s family and loved ones.
Walz said he reviewed the video and rejected the federal government’s initial characterization of the incident, urging the public not to accept what he described as a federal “propaganda machine.” He said the state would conduct a review of the incident.
“The state will ensure there is a full, fair, and expeditious investigation to ensure accountability and justice,” Walz said.
The governor acknowledged that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that state officials do not direct ICE operations. However, he said local and state law enforcement agencies were not notified or coordinated with ahead of the operation, which he argued contributed to a volatile situation. Walz described the shooting as “totally predictable” and “totally avoidable.”
Walz also addressed questions about the Minnesota National Guard, outlining the distinction between federal and state activation authorities and noting that no formal order had been issued. He said any activation would place Guard members in a state duty status focused on protecting and serving Minnesotans, consistent with prior disaster response and public safety missions.
The governor urged Minnesotans to remain peaceful and avoid escalating tensions as investigations continue. Federal officials said their review of the incident remains ongoing and have not revised their account of the shooting.
