In response to the tragic shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an ICE agent, local protesters have taken to erecting makeshift barricades in an effort to deter federal agents from entering their neighborhood. This incident, which led to the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, occurred while she was driving during a protest. The event has ignited widespread protests across Minnesota, further intensifying the debate over ICE operations under the Trump administration.

Early Thursday morning, demonstrators opposing ICE’s presence constructed barricades at the intersection where Good was fatally shot. Utilizing pallets, traffic cones, trash cans, and wooden boards, residents fortified the area. Many of those guarding the barricades are part of the local immigrant community, with one individual explaining that the barriers are intended to prevent vehicles from accessing the neighborhood.

Photographs of the barricade reveal a prominent wooden board bearing the message: ‘Protect the living & honor the dead!’ Adjacent to this makeshift defense, community members have established a memorial for Good, adorned with signs and candles. In footage captured by local Fox affiliate KMSP, a vigil at the site showed mourners gathered to chant Good’s name, commending her for her efforts in defending her community.

The Minneapolis Public School District canceled classes and activities for the rest of the week due to ‘safety concerns.’ School-sponsored programs, activities, athletics, and community education classes were also canceled in the wake of potential unrest. ‘MPS will continue collaborating with the City of Minneapolis and other partners on emergency preparedness and response,’ the district wrote online. A confrontation between ICE agents and students occurred on Wednesday outside of Roosevelt High School. Video footage circulated of agents allegedly using a chemical irritant on students, according to a witness.

The teachers’ union later released a statement confirming that ICE used gas and detained a school worker while students left school on Wednesday. ‘We will not tolerate ICE inhibiting our city’s youth from their constitutional right to attend school safely or inhibiting educators from doing their job. This is the moment to act,’ the Minneapolis Federation of Education said. Protesters gathered at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on Thursday morning, meeting with federal agents as tensions rose. The building serves as ICE’s regional headquarters. The standoff escalated when federal agents deployed a gas-like substance, according to CNN reporters on the scene.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said in a press conference last night that Good’s death was a result of reckless governance from the Trump administration. Walz urged Minnesotans to remain calm and encouraged peace in the face of unrest. ‘To Minnesotans, I say this – I feel your anger. I’m angry. They want a show. We can’t give it to them. We cannot,’ he said. The Trump administration has defended ICE, calling the killing an act of self-defense against ‘an anti-ICE rioter who weaponized her vehicle against law enforcement.’

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a press conference that Good had attempted to run her car into an ICE officer. ‘Our officer relied on his training and saved his own life, as well as the lives of his fellow officers,’ DHS said. ‘Sanctuary politicians have created an environment that encourages rampant assaults on law enforcement.’ Minnesota officials, along with eye witnesses, have discounted the federal government’s claims. Minneapolis Mayor issued a scathing message to ICE, telling agents to ‘get the [expletive] out of the city.