URGENT UPDATE: In a shocking escalation, federal authorities have branded those monitoring Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities as “domestic terrorists.” This announcement follows the tragic shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on January 7, 2023, igniting a firestorm of community activism.
Just one day after Good’s death, a Minnesota immigrant advocacy group reported a staggering threefold increase in individuals signing up to become legal observers. “To say this: The killing of Renee Good lit a fire under the community, would be an understatement,” said Ryan Perez, a leadership director with the advocacy group COPAL, which comprises a network of 5,000 trained civilians dedicated to monitoring immigration enforcement.
The Trump administration is ramping up its federal enforcement operations across the country, with Minneapolis emerging as a focal point. Community volunteers, now intensifying their efforts, are documenting arrests, tailing ICE agents, and using whistles to alert neighbors of impending ICE actions. These tactics have come under increased scrutiny since the shooting, leading to widespread protests across the nation.
Renee Good, a devoted mother and community advocate, was reportedly linked to activities encouraging parents to monitor ICE operations. Her tragic encounter with law enforcement occurred when she partially blocked ICE agents with her vehicle. Disturbingly, video footage shows Good attempting to turn away from the agent before she was shot, raising critical questions about the incident.
Experts are divided on the legality of the volunteers’ actions. While some practices may be considered nonviolent civil disobedience, others tread into legally ambiguous territory. Thousands of parents, teachers, and clergy members across the U.S. are now seeking training to legally document immigration arrests, with many becoming observers just days after Good’s death.
“Safety concerns are a daily reality,” stated Andrew Wills Garces, a senior strategist with Siembra NC, an organization operating an ICE watch hotline in North Carolina. “After Renee’s killing, our volunteers are asking, ‘Can they get away with this?’” The atmosphere of fear is palpable as volunteers feel targeted by the government’s aggressive stance.
Training for these observers includes legal protocols for documenting ICE activities and using non-threatening signals to warn local communities. “Our observers are trained to demand to see a warrant and to create a legal record,” Perez explained, emphasizing the importance of their role in protecting community members.
Legal experts assert that actions such as using whistles and filming ICE interventions are protected under the First Amendment. “If you’re in a public space, signaling the presence of law enforcement and documenting their actions is expressive activity safeguarded by the Constitution,” noted Gregory Magarian, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis.
However, the situation is fraught with tension. President Trump has threatened further intervention if protests continue, labeling some activists as “troublemakers.” His administration has already initiated investigations into those who post information about ICE agents online, raising concerns about chilling effects on free speech.
As community-led ICE watch activities surge, observers face the dual challenge of protecting their rights while navigating the potential legal ramifications of their actions. “We have a 100% no obstruction protocol as observers,” Perez stated, highlighting their commitment to non-interference with ICE operations.
The escalating tensions between federal law enforcement and community activists underscore a critical moment in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement in the United States. With protests gaining momentum and advocacy groups rallying support, the situation remains fluid and highly charged.
WHAT’S NEXT: As community groups continue to mobilize, all eyes are on Minneapolis. The impact of Good’s tragic death resonates deeply as more individuals step up to protect their neighborhoods from aggressive immigration enforcement. The legal battles ahead and potential changes in policy are poised to reshape the landscape of immigration advocacy across the nation.
