Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Activates National Guard Amid Escalating Tensions with Trump Administration Over Fatal ICE Shooting

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 8, 2026 — Tensions between Minnesota state officials and the Trump administration reached a boiling point Thursday following the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old woman by a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during an immigration operation in south Minneapolis. Governor Tim Walz issued a warning order to prepare the Minnesota National Guard for potential deployment, while sharply criticizing the federal government's actions and urging peaceful protests.

The incident occurred Wednesday morning when ICE agents, part of a surge of over 2,000 federal law enforcement personnel deployed to the Twin Cities area, were conducting operations tied to allegations of fraud in government programs involving Somali residents. Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen and mother of three, was shot multiple times through her vehicle windshield after her SUV became involved in a confrontation with agents.

Federal officials, including Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and President Donald Trump, described the shooting as justified self-defense, claiming Good attempted to run over agents with her vehicle. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated the woman was "attempting to run over our law enforcement officers," and Noem alleged Good had been "stalking and impeding" agents earlier in the day.

However, state and local leaders vehemently disputed this account. Walz, speaking at a press conference, called the shooting "preventable and unnecessary," rejecting what he termed the federal "propaganda machine." "I've seen the video. Don't believe this propaganda machine," Walz said, emphasizing that the state would pursue a "full, fair and expeditious investigation." Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey went further, labeling the federal narrative "bullshit" and demanding ICE agents "get the fuck out of Minneapolis."

Videos circulating on social media, verified by multiple outlets, show agents approaching Good's SUV as it begins to move slowly forward. Witnesses described an agent firing rapidly after shouting "Stop!" Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated local authorities had seen no evidence justifying the use of deadly force.

In response to the shooting and ensuing protests, Walz activated the State Emergency Operations Center and issued the National Guard warning order—a preparatory step to ensure troops are ready if needed. "We are preparing the National Guard. They are prepared to be deployed if necessary," Walz said, while repeatedly urging Minnesotans to protest peacefully. "I feel your anger. I'm angry," he added, but warned against violence that could provide pretext for further federal intervention. "We can't give them an excuse to escalate."

Walz directly addressed the Trump administration: "We do not need any further help from the federal government. To Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, you've done enough." He called on Americans in other cities to "stand with us" against the immigration crackdown.

The shooting has ignited widespread outrage, with thousands attending vigils and protests in Minneapolis Wednesday night. Demonstrations spread to other cities, and some clashes with law enforcement were reported. Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.), called for President Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act against Walz, accusing him of threatening to deploy the Guard against federal operations.

The FBI has taken over the investigation, with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension withdrawing due to lack of access to evidence. Walz expressed skepticism about a fair outcome without state involvement.

This confrontation marks a sharp escalation in ongoing friction between Minnesota's Democratic leadership and the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement policies, raising concerns about potential further federal-state conflict. Protests continued into Thursday, with authorities monitoring for unrest.

17GEN4.com