The Trump administration has made clear its unwavering support for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who fatally shot a Minneapolis woman during a federal law enforcement operation last week.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the incident during a Monday afternoon briefing, stating unequivocally that the agent acted appropriately when 37-year-old Renee Good blocked federal officers with her vehicle before driving toward the agent. The shooting has sparked protests in Minneapolis, drawing sharp criticism from the administration.
“All weekend long, you had agitators and violent American citizens out in the streets of Minneapolis protesting,” Leavitt told reporters gathered outside the White House. “Protesting what, exactly? Apparently, they are protesting the removal of heinous murderers and rapists and criminals.”
The press secretary’s comments reflect the administration’s broader position on immigration enforcement operations, which have faced increasing resistance in some communities. Good, whom neighbors described as a member of an organized “ICE watch” group, had reportedly been monitoring federal activities in the area.
Leavitt defended the agent’s actions as justified self-defense, characterizing Good as part of an organized effort to obstruct lawful federal operations. The press secretary emphasized that ICE agents face dangerous conditions while carrying out their duties and deserve the full backing of the federal government.
“ICE is doing an incredibly important job that is not just important to our homeland security, but our national security,” Leavitt stated. “This administration will continue to stand wholeheartedly by the brave men and women of ICE, including that officer in Minneapolis who was absolutely justified in using self-defense.”
The incident has highlighted the growing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement operations in cities across the nation. Activist groups have organized what they call “ICE watch” programs, which monitor and sometimes attempt to interfere with federal immigration operations. The administration has characterized these efforts as dangerous obstructions of lawful law enforcement activities.
The Minneapolis operation was part of the administration’s expanded enforcement efforts targeting individuals with criminal records. Federal officials have maintained that such operations are designed to enhance public safety by removing dangerous criminals from American communities.
The shooting has drawn criticism from civil liberties organizations and immigration advocacy groups, who question the use of lethal force during immigration enforcement operations. However, the administration has shown no signs of wavering in its support for the agent or its broader immigration enforcement strategy.
As investigations into the incident continue, the administration’s strong defense of the agent signals its determination to proceed with aggressive immigration enforcement despite local opposition. The White House has made clear that it views attempts to obstruct federal operations as unacceptable and potentially criminal behavior.
The facts of the case, as presented by federal officials, indicate that the agent faced what he perceived as an immediate threat when Good drove her vehicle toward him during the operation. The administration maintains that the agent’s response was both reasonable and necessary under the circumstances.
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