Demonstrators Detained Outside Minneapolis Federal Building on One-Month Mark of Woman's Death
Several demonstrators faced arrest Saturday outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, as tensions flared during a protest commemorating the one-month anniversary of Renee Good's death at the hands of an immigration officer.
Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot on January 7 while attempting to flee from immigration agents in her vehicle. Her death, alongside that of Alex Pretti just weeks later, has ignited widespread anger regarding the Trump administration's immigration policies.
As midday approached, a large crowd gathered across from the federal building, some throwing bottles and even sex toys at police officers stationed to maintain order. Reports indicate that the situation escalated when protesters began hurling chunks of ice, resulting in several arrests. A deputy sustained an injury to the head, and a police vehicle's windshield was shattered, according to statements from local law enforcement.
Authorities deemed the assembly unlawful and instructed attendees to disperse. While many complied, approximately 100 individuals remained in a standoff with law enforcement, including deputies and state troopers.
Despite multiple attempts by media outlets to obtain further information from the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office regarding the number of arrests and any injuries sustained, no responses were provided by Saturday afternoon.
Simultaneously, hundreds gathered in a nearby park blanketed in snow to pay tribute to Good and Pretti. Organizers of this event voiced their discontent with the ongoing immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota, labeling it a federal occupation.
Chief Arvol Looking Horse, a Lakota spiritual leader, led a ceremony at the forefront of the gathering, where attendees held signs and American flags. The atmosphere was filled with music and poetry as participants honored the two individuals who have become pivotal figures in the contentious immigration discourse.
On that fateful day in January, Good was surrounded by three immigration agents while driving her Honda Pilot SUV just blocks from her home. Bystander footage captured the moment an officer approached her vehicle, demanding she open the door. As she attempted to drive away, another officer standing in front of her vehicle drew his weapon and fired at close range.
The Trump administration has portrayed Good as a domestic terrorist who allegedly attempted to run over an officer; however, local officials have strongly contested this narrative.
Pretti's death occurred on January 24 during an altercation with immigration officers. Video evidence shows multiple agents taking him to the ground before one officer noticed Pretti's licensed firearm and shouted about it, prompting two officers to open fire.
In response to growing tensions, Tom Homan, the Trump administration's border czar, announced plans to withdraw 700 immigration officers from Minnesota—approximately 25% of those stationed in the state—after local officials agreed to cooperate by turning over arrested immigrants. However, Homan did not specify when the crackdown would conclude.
Becca Good, Renee's wife, released a poignant statement on Saturday highlighting the broader impact of immigration enforcement on families in Minneapolis. “You know my wife’s name and you know Alex’s name,” she stated. “But there are many others in this city being harmed that you don’t know—their families are hurting just like mine.”
She emphasized the need for recognition of all those affected: “They are neighbors, friends, co-workers, classmates. And we must also know their names. Because this shouldn’t happen to anyone.”
