Members of Minnesota’s Somali community joined others in Minneapolis on Friday to protest following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, 37, during an encounter with a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent earlier this week.
A Minnesota prosecutor has asked the public to share any videos or evidence related to the shooting, as questions continue to grow about the actions of federal agents and how the investigation is being handled.
Good was shot while sitting in her SUV during an immigration enforcement operation. Videos circulating online show a tense moment as an ICE agent walks around the vehicle while filming with a cellphone.
Shortly afterward, officers ordered Good to get out of the vehicle. As the SUV moved forward, the agent opened fire. The vehicle then crashed into several parked cars down the street. Good was pronounced dead at the scene.
Somali leaders speak out
Protests continued at the site of the shooting on Friday, drawing hundreds of people. Members of the Somali community were among those present, with some offering food and tea to demonstrators.
Imam Yusuf, one of the organizers, told local Somali media that the community felt a responsibility to show up.
“The reason Renee was killed and why thousands of ICE agents are here does not only affect other immigrant communities,” he said. “It also affects us as the Somali community. We wish more Somalis would come out and show their support.”
He said demonstrations would continue until there is accountability and people feel safe.
Minneapolis City Council member Jamal Osman, who represents Ward 6, said Good lost her life while supporting immigrant neighbours, including members of the Somali community.
“Our community has shown its support by coming out and serving sambusas and tea at the site,” Osman said. “Renee lost her life while supporting our community, especially the Somali community. It is very important that we show up and stand together.”
