Former President Donald Trump has publicly defended a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent involved in the fatal shooting of a woman during an operation in Minneapolis, framing the incident as an act of self-defense. The event, which occurred on January 8, 2026, has ignited a fierce political dispute and prompted a federal investigation.
Trump's Defense and Accusations Against the Victim
Breaking his silence on the controversial shooting, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to support the federal officer. He claimed the woman, identified by the Minneapolis City Council as Renee Nicole Good, was "very disorderly, obstructing and resisting" arrest. Trump alleged she "violently, wilfully, and viciously ran over the ICE officer," leading the agent to fire in self-defense. He stated the officer is now recovering in a hospital.
In his post, Trump also targeted political opponents, accusing the "Radical Left" of fostering hostility towards law enforcement personnel. This defense aligns with the official stance from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin stated the driver attempted to "weaponise" her vehicle against the officer during the enforcement action.
Minneapolis Officials Reject Federal Narrative
Local authorities have vehemently contradicted the accounts from Trump and federal agencies. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, after reviewing available evidence, held a press conference where he dismissed the self-defense claim in strong terms.
"They are already trying to spin this as an action of self-defence. Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly, that is bullshlt," Mayor Frey stated. His anger extended to the presence of ICE in the city, telling the federal agents to "get the f*** out" of Minneapolis amid escalating community tensions.
Video Evidence and FBI Probe
The clash between local and federal narratives is fueled by video footage circulating on social media. The video appears to show ICE officers surrounding an SUV stopped on a road. As the vehicle begins to move forward slowly, an officer is seen firing at least two shots at close range into the driver's side.
The SUV then collides with two parked cars before finally crashing into a telephone pole. Images from the aftermath show a visible bullet hole in the vehicle's windscreen. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has confirmed it has opened an investigation into the shooting, adding a layer of independent scrutiny to the case.
Political Fallout and Continued ICE Operations
The incident has quickly become a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration enforcement. Former Vice-President Kamala Harris condemned Trump's remarks, calling them "pure gaslighting" and demanding a full and fair state-level investigation.
Despite the backlash and ongoing probe, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has insisted that ICE operations will continue in Minneapolis. This is part of the Trump administration's intensified immigration crackdown, which has seen a significant increase in street-level arrests by ICE officers—a tactic criticized by many local leaders and civil rights organizations across the United States.
