On Friday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey made a compelling plea for state investigators to join the inquiry into the tragic shooting death of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent. Frey expressed his deep concerns over the Trump administration’s narrative surrounding the incident, emphasizing the need for a transparent investigation.
Frey's appeal came shortly after the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) announced its withdrawal from the investigation. This decision followed communication from the FBI, which indicated that the BCA would not have access to crucial materials necessary for conducting a “thorough and independent” review. In response, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem clarified that the BCA had not been excluded from the investigation, asserting that they lacked jurisdiction in this case.
During his remarks, Mayor Frey stressed the importance of integrity in the face of tragedy. “In Minneapolis, when a tragedy strikes, there's one word that summarizes what is most important. And that word is integrity,” he stated. Frey urged that this is not the time to bend the rules but rather to uphold the law and pursue transparency. He expressed concern over the administration’s early conclusions, calling it alarming that the victim is labeled a “domestic terrorist” while the actions of the involved agent are portrayed as defensive.
Frey continued, “Our ask is to embrace the truth. We want a fair investigation, and we need the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to be part of this process. It is indeed troubling that this administration seems to be drawing conclusions from the very start.” He emphasized the need for local expertise in the investigation, stating, “We got nothing to hide from here. All we want in Minneapolis is justice and the truth.”
In the wake of Good's shooting, the Minneapolis Federation of Educators has joined the call for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to withdraw from schools in the area. During a press conference, union president Catina Taylor stated, “We need ICE out of Minneapolis now. We need ICE away from our schools.” Taylor described ICE as a “dangerous and out-of-control force” that endangers the community, citing the recent violence that resulted in a school lockdown and the use of pepper spray on students.
In response to the union's concerns, DHS public affairs assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin clarified that law enforcement does not enter schools unless there is a direct public safety threat. McLaughlin explained that recent events involved an individual assaulting law enforcement, which led to a chase that extended onto school property. She reassured that law enforcement’s priority is to ensure safety and diffuse any potential threats.
Following the incident, protests erupted in Minneapolis, resulting in at least a dozen arrests during demonstrations against ICE. Law enforcement was seen dismantling tents and clearing debris set up near the site where Good was shot, highlighting the community's growing unrest.
The BCA's withdrawal has raised questions about the effectiveness of the investigation. In a statement, BCA Superintendent Drew Evans explained that their initial plan involved a joint investigation with the FBI. However, after consulting with various authorities, the FBI later reversed its decision, leading to the BCA losing access to essential evidence and witness interviews. Evans noted that without full access to these materials, the BCA cannot fulfill the investigative standards expected by Minnesota law and the public.
As the situation continues to develop, the Minneapolis community remains focused on seeking justice and transparency in the investigation surrounding the death of Renee Nicole Good. The growing calls for accountability and the role of local law enforcement in such incidents will likely shape the future discourse around immigration enforcement in the region.