Protesters Arrested During Anniversary Demonstration
Several demonstrators were taken into custody on Saturday outside a federal building just south of Minneapolis, as authorities dispersed a protest marking the one-month anniversary of the death of a Minnesota woman.
Renee Good was killed on 7 January while driving away from immigration officers in a Minneapolis neighborhood. Her death, along with that of another Minneapolis resident, Alex Pretti, just weeks later, has sparked nationwide outrage over the federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Scores of protesters gathered across the street from the Bishop Henry Whipple federal building around midday, throwing bottles and sex toys at a line of police officers guarding the property.
The Star Tribune reported that officers arrested several protesters after the crowd began throwing chunks of ice. According to a statement obtained by the newspaper from the Hennepin County sheriff’s office, a deputy was struck in the head and a squad vehicle’s windshield was damaged.
Police declared the gathering unlawful and ordered the protesters to disperse. While many complied, approximately 100 individuals remained, resulting in a standoff with deputies, state troopers, and state conservation officers.
Video circulating on social media shows several protesters being forced to the ground and taken into custody. One individual, while being handcuffed, stated:
I was here delivering pizza for the protesters. I had no idea that this was happening. I moved to the side of the curb when they started rushing everyone and now they’re arresting me. I am a peaceful protester delivering pizza and they’re arresting me.
The Hennepin County sheriff’s office did not respond to requests from the Associated Press on Saturday afternoon for a copy of the statement, information on the number of arrests, injuries, or details regarding the circumstances leading to the arrests.
Memorial Gathering Honors Renee Good and Alex Pretti
Meanwhile, hundreds gathered on a snow-covered field in a Minneapolis park to honor Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Event organizers reiterated recent criticisms of the immigration crackdown in Minnesota, describing it as a federal occupation.
A Lakota spiritual leader, Chief Arvol Looking Horse, led a ceremony at the front of the crowd, which included people holding signs and American flags. Attendees shared music and poetry to commemorate the two individuals who have become central figures in the ongoing immigration debate.
Details of Renee Good’s Death
Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by a federal immigration officer on 7 January in Minneapolis. Three agents surrounded her Honda Pilot SUV on a snowy street a few blocks from her home. Bystander video shows an officer approaching the vehicle, which was stopped across the middle of the road, demanding that the driver open the door and grabbing the handle.
The vehicle then began to move forward, and a different ICE officer standing in front of it drew his weapon and fired at close range, stepping back as the vehicle advanced.
The Trump administration characterized Good as a domestic terrorist who attempted to run over an officer with her vehicle. However, state and local officials have rejected this characterization.
Details of Alex Pretti’s Death
Alex Pretti was killed on 24 January during an altercation with immigration officers on the street. Bystander video shows approximately six officers taking Pretti to the ground. One officer notices Pretti’s gun, which he was licensed to carry, and shouts, “He’s got a gun.” Subsequently, two officers open fire.
Federal Immigration Enforcement Changes
On Wednesday, Tom Homan, the Trump administration’s border czar, announced plans to withdraw 700 immigration officers from Minnesota, representing roughly a quarter of the officers deployed to the state. This decision followed agreements with state and local officials to cooperate by turning over arrested immigrants.
Homan did not specify when the administration would conclude its enforcement efforts in Minnesota.
Statement from Renee Good’s Wife
Becca Good, Renee Good’s wife, issued a statement on Saturday expressing concern over the impact of immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and the anonymity of many affected individuals.
You know my wife’s name and you know Alex’s name, but there are many others in this city being harmed that you don’t know – their families are hurting just like mine, even if they don’t look like mine. They are neighbors, friends, co-workers, classmates. And we must also know their names. Because this shouldn’t happen to anyone.
