Photo: AP News

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - January 8, 2026

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) announced its "reluctant" withdrawal from the investigation into a fatal shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in a statement released on January 8, 2026. Initially, state and federal agencies had agreed to a joint investigation into the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good, who was killed during a federal immigration operation on January 7. However, the U.S. Attorney’s Office later informed the state that the FBI would lead the inquiry alone. 

The BCA said in the January 8 statement that it could no longer ensure an independent or thorough investigation because it was "denied access to physical evidence, scene materials, and investigative interviews." 

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans added, "As a result, the BCA has reluctantly withdrawn from the investigation," while stating, "We expect the FBI to conduct a thorough and complete investigation and that the full investigative file will be shared with the appropriate prosecutorial authorities at both the state and federal levels."

While state officials expressed a willingness to resume the investigation if granted full cooperation, the case currently remains under exclusive federal jurisdiction.

The fatal encounter has sparked organized demonstrations throughout Minneapolis and Greater Minnesota. Hundreds of community members gathered for a vigil and protest at the site of the shooting on East 34th Street and Portland Avenue in the Twin Cities. Community organizers have called for further nonviolent emergency protests, including a demonstration at the Fort Snelling Park & Ride near the federal building used as a command center for the operations. Local leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and MN Governor Walz, have publicly criticized the federal presence and the narrative of the shooting provided by the Department of Homeland Security, citing concerns over transparency and community safety, while calling for federal agents to leave the city. 

Federal officials have offered a contrasting account of the events leading to the shooting. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem characterized the incident as an act of "self-defense" against what she described as "domestic terrorism." According to a DHS statement, ICE agents were conducting targeted enforcement operations when their vehicle became stuck in the snow. Noem said in the statement that Good "weaponized her vehicle" and attempted to run over or ram the officers, prompting an agent to fire three shots. Federal authorities maintained that the officer involved acted to protect himself and his colleagues. 

Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Chairman Deschampe responds

Chairman Robert Deschampe of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa released a statement on January 7 acknowledging the "deep sadness" following the news of the shooting carried out by ICE. Chairman Deschampe described the loss of life as "tragic and unacceptable," noting that many Band members live and work in Minneapolis, or have family that do. 

He highlighted the psychological toll on Indigenous people, stating, "We recognize that violent incidents like this can cause fear, anger, and uncertainty, particularly for Indigenous people and other communities that have experienced historical and ongoing harm from government systems."

While Chairman Deschampe stated there is no confirmed ICE presence within the Grand Portage Reservation, the Band is monitoring the situation closely as a border community and has advised members regarding the use of Tribal identification cards during potential federal encounters.

National Guard notified

In response to the escalating situation and the potential for civil unrest, Governor Walz has authorized state resources to support public safety efforts. The Governor issued a warning order to prepare the Minnesota National Guard for possible deployment, though no mobilization has occurred yet. Additionally, the State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to coordinate responses between various agencies, including the State Patrol, which has already mobilized dozens of members for its Mobile Response Team. State officials continue to monitor the situation and have urged residents to exercise their right to protest in a peaceful and legal manner.

Local rally planned

Community members in the area are also organizing local actions to honor Renee Good and advocate for the removal of federal immigration enforcement from the state. A rally organized by local group Arrowhead Indivisible is scheduled for Saturday at noon at the intersection of Highway 61 and Wisconsin Street in Grand Marais. According to the announcement on the Arrowhead Indivisible Facebook page, the event aims to provide a space for local residents to remember Good and call for an end to ICE operations within Minnesota.