Minneapolis, MN – January 11, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Sunday that it is sending hundreds of additional federal officers to Minnesota in response to growing public protests over the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the reinforcements will be deployed Sunday and Monday to support ICE personnel, Customs and Border Protection, and Border Patrol officers already operating in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area. According to the department, approximately 2,000 federal officers were already present in the region as part of what DHS described as its largest-ever operation in the state.
The move comes after tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in Minneapolis and other U.S. cities over the weekend, calling for justice for Good and condemning federal immigration enforcement policies. Good, a U.S. citizen and mother of three, was shot and killed on January 7 during a federal immigration operation in south Minneapolis. The circumstances surrounding her death have sparked outrage nationwide.
Local and state leaders have criticized the federal response. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey questioned the justification of the shooting, citing video evidence that he says contradicts the official account of self-defense provided by DHS. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also expressed concern over the escalation of federal law enforcement presence.
Protest organizers have emphasized that the majority of demonstrations have been peaceful, although a limited number of arrests were reported. The protests reflect broader public scrutiny of ICE and federal immigration enforcement practices, particularly regarding the use of force.
Secretary Noem defended the federal deployment, citing the need to ensure the safety of federal officers amid ongoing demonstrations. She stressed that the additional personnel are intended to support existing operations and maintain security for ICE and other federal staff.
The incident has reignited national debate over immigration enforcement, police accountability, and the appropriate role of federal law enforcement in local jurisdictions. Authorities have yet to release further details regarding the federal investigation into the shooting, while Minnesota law enforcement agencies continue to work with limited access to evidence in the case.
