Minnesota Schools Close Amid Protests Following Fatal ICE Shooting
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Schools across Minnesota shuttered their doors on Friday as protests intensified over the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent earlier this week. The incident, which occurred Wednesday in the Minneapolis area, has ignited widespread calls from educators and community leaders for ICE to leave the city and cease operations near schools.
Fridley Public Schools announced the cancellation of in-person classes Friday, joining Minneapolis Public Schools, which had already suspended classes from Thursday through the end of the week. Columbia Heights Public Schools also transitioned to a Flex Learning Day to accommodate the unrest. The closures come amid heightened tensions following the arrival of more than 2,000 federal agents deployed to the Twin Cities area to bolster immigration enforcement efforts.
Catina Taylor, president of the Educational Support Professionals Chapter of the Minneapolis Federation of Educators, spoke at a Friday press conference demanding ICE’s immediate withdrawal from Minneapolis schools. “We need ICE out of Minneapolis now,” Taylor said. “We need ICE away from our schools now. Since arriving, ICE has been a dangerous and out-of-control force putting every Minnesotan in danger.” She further described the atmosphere as one where “a mother was murdered, an elementary school was forced to lock down,” and where law enforcement used pepper spray on frightened high school students.
The shooting occurred after an ICE agent engaged with Renee Nicole Good, who allegedly moved her vehicle toward the officer. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) characterized the agent’s actions as self-defense. Following the shooting, ICE agents deployed chemical irritants outside Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis and detained at least one staff member, further escalating tensions.
In response to the closures and protests, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin appeared on “America’s Newsroom,” clarifying that federal law enforcement does not enter schools unless there is a public safety threat within. She explained that the incident began with an individual assaulting law enforcement and leading agents on a five-mile chase that crossed barriers and ran red lights before reaching school grounds. “Our law enforcement did not go into this school and made sure to diffuse the situation,” McLaughlin stated.
The situation has drawn attention from local and national officials. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar called for ICE to leave the city, emphasizing the need for safety and calm. The protests have spotlighted the broader debate over immigration enforcement and community safety in Minneapolis and beyond.
The deployment of federal agents to the Twin Cities is part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, which has faced criticism from civil rights groups and local officials for its tactics. The Department of Homeland Security has defended the agents’ actions, citing public safety concerns.
As demonstrations continue, educators and community members remain resolute in their demands. The Minneapolis Federation of Educators and other local unions have called for the immediate removal of ICE from schools, highlighting the trauma and disruption caused by the federal presence. The closures of schools underscore the profound impact the incident has had on the community, disrupting education and fueling calls for policy changes.
For ongoing updates on the situation and official statements, the public is encouraged to consult resources such as the City of Minneapolis official website and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which coordinates with ICE on immigration enforcement operations.
The tragic death of Renee Nicole Good and the subsequent unrest highlight the complex challenges facing Minneapolis as it grapples with immigration enforcement, community safety, and public trust in law enforcement agencies.
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