Minneapolis Council Member Reflects on ICE Shooting Amid Community Tensions

On January 7, 2026, Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident, was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during an operation in the city's Central neighborhood. The incident has drawn national attention and sparked widespread protests.

Soren Stevenson, who began his term as a Minneapolis city council member just days before the shooting, expressed deep concern over the event's impact on the community. Stevenson, who lost his left eye during the 2020 George Floyd protests after being struck by a rubber bullet fired by police, noted the unsettling parallels between the two incidents. He remarked that the recent shooting was "reminiscent in a scary way" of past events.

The shooting occurred near George Floyd Square, a site emblematic of the 2020 racial justice protests. Stevenson observed that the neighborhood, typically bustling, had become eerily quiet, with many businesses closed and residents hesitant to go outside. He emphasized that such an atmosphere is detrimental to the city's well-being and economy.

In response to the incident, community members have mobilized mutual aid networks, offering support such as providing rides and delivering groceries to those afraid to leave their homes due to heightened immigration enforcement. Stevenson described this collective effort as the community's "immune system," highlighting the resilience and solidarity among residents.

As a new council member, Stevenson is committed to exploring ways the city can address and respond to ICE's presence and actions. He has received numerous communications from constituents advocating for the agency's departure from Minneapolis. Stevenson is also advocating for local and state authorities to be involved in investigating Good's death, emphasizing that the incident occurred within the city and that local stakeholders have a vested interest in the outcome.

The FBI has taken over the investigation into Good's death, a move that has been met with criticism from state and local officials who have called for access to case files to conduct their own inquiries. Stevenson and other city leaders are seeking ways to challenge ICE's operations and ensure that the community's concerns are addressed.

Reflecting on the community's response, Stevenson expressed determination, stating, "We're not gonna go quietly." He emphasized the importance of listening to the community and responding to their needs, acknowledging the challenges in confronting federal actions at the local level.