The Disingenuous Narrative Surrounding the ICE Incident in Minneapolis

The fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026, remains a deeply tragic event. While the loss of life demands careful scrutiny, much of the criticism from left-leaning media and commentators focuses on selective interpretations of video footage and hindsight proposals, often downplaying actions that escalated the encounter.

Overview of the Incident

Good, a U.S. citizen, was shot during an ongoing ICE immigration enforcement operation in south Minneapolis. Her vehicle was positioned in a way that impeded the operation, with reports indicating she and her wife were at the scene using whistles to support neighbors. Federal officials maintain the shooting occurred in self-defense after Good's vehicle struck an agent.

Sequence of Events

Videos from multiple angles, including bystander footage and the officer's own cellphone recording, show the critical moments. Officers approached Good's SUV and ordered her to exit. She refused and began maneuvering the vehicle. As one agent attempted to intervene, the SUV accelerated forward, causing the camera to jerk violently, consistent with physical impact on the filming officer. The officer then fired the shots that killed Good.

Video Evidence and Expert Analysis

Newly released footage from the officer's perspective reveals the SUV making contact, throwing the agent back a good 3-5 feet before he fired. Pollster and analyst Mark Halperin reviewed all available angles and concluded the vehicle clearly struck the officer, making the use of force a reasonable response to an imminent threat. Halperin highlighted how some media outlets selectively edited or omitted this impact, distorting the narrative. 

Additional footage included Ms. Good’s wife taunting ICE officers.  While inflammatory not relevant just like the reaction of the officer with his disparaging comment and slur, none of which is relevant.  Only about five seconds of the incident that unfolded is relevant.  From the video evidence, analysis and background information concerning the reasoning of Ms. Good’s “visit” to Minneapolis, I personally feel confident that the officer’s actions in this incident, while they unfortunately ended in tragedy, were justified, IMHO.

Criticisms of Hindsight Suggestions

Many critics have proposed alternatives, such as shooting at tires or firing warning shots into the air. These ideas overlook the split-second nature of the decision, where an officer faced a moving vehicle perceived as a deadly threat. No commentator advocating such options has experienced similar high-stress scenarios involving vehicular assault.

The Role of Compliance and Escalation

Compliance with lawful orders could have prevented the tragedy entirely. Good had multiple opportunities to exit the vehicle and de-escalate. Blocking traffic or impeding law enforcement, even if intended as support or observation, creates dangerous situations and constitutes obstruction. Peaceful protest does not extend to hindering federal operations or endangering agents.

Broader Media and Political Context

The rush to portray ICE as aggressors fits a pattern of framing immigration enforcement as authoritarian, regardless of context. Enforcing existing laws is a core government function, not overreach. Selective outrage ignores the risks officers face and excuses non-compliance that led to escalation. I am no fan of authoritarianism. I have had my encounters with law enforcement overstepping their authority and government trying to usurp the rights of individuals.

Having said that, everyone needs to understand that freedom comes ONLY with responsibility.  We must be responsible stewards of our freedoms, and we need to understand that government has the right to enforce laws, which is what was happening here.  And while we have the right to peacefully protest, we do not have the right to obstruct law enforcement’s ability to faithfully do their job.  Freedom requires vigilance on the part of law enforcement AND Citizens to understand and have a civil society.

A thorough review of all footage supports primary responsibility lying with actions that turned a tense encounter deadly. True accountability requires examining complete evidence, not curated clips advancing a political agenda.

Michael J Badagliacco, "MJB"