ICE officer fatally shoots motorist in Minneapolis; officials clash over self-defence claim
A Minneapolis motorist was shot dead by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, with federal officials saying the shooting was self-defence and city leaders calling it reckless. The killing of 37-year-old Renae Macklin-Good sparked protests and a joint state-federal investigation.
- ICE officer fatally shot 37-year-old motorist during immigration operation in Minneapolis
- Federal officials cite self-defence; city leaders dispute account and condemn shooting
- Protests erupted as state and federal authorities launch joint investigation
MINNEAPOLIS: A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed a motorist in Minneapolis on 7 January 2026, an incident federal officials said was an act of self-defence but which city leaders condemned as reckless and unnecessary.
Hospital records obtained by The Associated Press identified the woman as 37-year-old Renae Macklin-Good, also listed in business records as Renee Nicole Macklin Good.
Bystander footage captures confrontation
Videos posted on social media from multiple angles show an officer approaching a Honda Pilot stopped across the road and demanding the driver open the door while pulling on the handle.
As the vehicle began moving forward, another ICE officer standing in front of it drew his weapon and fired at least two shots at close range, stepping back as the SUV advanced.
The vehicle then struck two parked cars before coming to a stop.
Federal and city leaders offer conflicting accounts
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the officer fired in self-defence after the woman attempted to ram officers with her vehicle, calling the incident an “act of domestic terrorism”.
President Donald Trump also criticised the woman in social media posts.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey rejected Noem’s characterisation, calling it “garbage” and urging federal agents to leave the city.
Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the department responded to reports of shots fired but did not indicate the driver had attempted to harm anyone.
Investigation launched amid immigration crackdown
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson said state authorities would investigate the shooting alongside federal agencies.
Noem said the officer involved was struck by the vehicle, treated at a hospital and released, adding that the FBI would continue investigating.
Noem also said ICE had made more than 1,500 arrests in Minnesota in recent weeks and confirmed that immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis would continue.
Personal details and family response
Court records show Macklin-Good had previously been married to Timmy Ray Macklin, who died in 2023 at age 36.
Macklin’s father told the Minnesota Star Tribune the couple had a child together, now six years old.
Macklin-Good’s mother told AP her daughter was not involved in challenging or harassing ICE officers.
Protests and calls for calm
Hundreds gathered at the site of the shooting as night fell, some holding signs critical of ICE and waving flags.
Minneapolis officials said firefighters removed the woman from her vehicle and attempted life-saving measures before she was pronounced dead at Hennepin County Medical Center.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the killing as “predictable” and “avoidable” but urged protesters to remain peaceful, saying he was prepared to deploy the National Guard if necessary.
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