In the aftermath of the fatal shooting of protester Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis (see prior coverage), Governor Tim Walz likened federal immigration enforcement tensions to the Civil War. Nationwide protests have intensified, with violent chants targeting DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, as she reaffirms support for agents amid a surge in attacks.
Following the January 7, 2026, shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good during an ICE operation in Minneapolis—deemed domestic terrorism by DHS after she drove toward an agent—protests erupted nationwide. A volatile demonstration in Manhattan's Foley Square featured chants of "Save a life, kill an ICE" and "Kristi Noem will hang."
On Thursday, Governor Tim Walz invoked Minnesota's Civil War history at Gettysburg, urging the state to "hold the line on democracy, decency, and accountability." He called for a moment of silence for Good, promoted community volunteering, and stressed respect for constitutional rights, local law enforcement, and human dignity, declaring, "We are not going to go quietly."
The next day, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, pledged full support for DHS's 80,000+ personnel: "President Trump and I will always stand with you," encouraging public gestures like buying officers coffee.
DHS highlighted a dramatic rise in attacks during the first year of Trump's second term (Jan 20–Dec 31, 2025): assaults up 1,300% (19 to 275), vehicular attacks up 3,200% (66 incidents), death threats up 8,000%. Notable cases included a sniper attack killing two Dallas detainees and multiple vehicle rammings. ICE persisted with arrests of criminal noncitizens, such as those convicted of child molestation, assault, murder, and firearms trafficking.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin blamed "sanctuary politicians'" rhetoric, like Walz calling ICE the "modern-day Gestapo." In Tucson, Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva joined protesters impeding a smuggling operation, injuring two agents; her pepper-spray claim was disputed by video.
These developments underscore deepening national divides over immigration enforcement as protests hinder federal operations.
