Hannah Einbinder has publicly called for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, prompting Einbinder to emphasize that “none of us are safe” until the agency is dismantled.
On March 6, 2024, Good, a 37-year-old resident of the Twin Cities and mother to a six-year-old child, was killed during what ICE described as a targeted operation. In an impassioned statement shared on social media, Einbinder criticized the government’s actions and highlighted the broader implications of ICE’s operations.
“The imperial boomerang has come back home,” she stated, connecting the treatment of marginalized communities in the U.S. to international practices. She referenced the actions of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the poisoning of water supplies in various American cities as examples of systemic neglect and violence. Einbinder’s remarks come at a time when political tensions around immigration enforcement are particularly high.
The situation escalated when ICE officers were reportedly confronted by a group of protesters. According to Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), one protester attempted to run over officers with her vehicle, leading to the officer firing shots in self-defense. McLaughlin characterized this act as “domestic terrorism,” illustrating the charged atmosphere surrounding the incident.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the actions of the ICE officers, stating that they were responding to a dangerous situation. Noem described the circumstances as one of self-defense, asserting that law enforcement was in the midst of an enforcement action when they faced aggression from protesters.
In stark contrast, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the actions of the ICE agent involved, labeling them as reckless and indicative of an abuse of power. “Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly, that is bullshit,” Frey stated at a press conference. He further urged ICE to withdraw from Minneapolis entirely, emphasizing the need for accountability.
The local police chief, Brian O’Hara, confirmed that an investigation into the incident is ongoing. He and Frey have called for calm as protests continue in the area, reflecting the community’s anger over the shooting. Demonstrators gathered at the site of the incident, demanding justice for Good and an end to ICE operations.
As the fallout continues, Einbinder urged fellow artists and public figures to join her in advocating against ICE, calling for a unified front until the agency is abolished. Her statement resonates with many who feel that the current immigration enforcement policies threaten the safety and well-being of communities across the nation.
The tragic death of Renee Nicole Good has not only reignited discussions about ICE but has also highlighted the urgent need for reform in law enforcement practices related to immigration. As protests mount, the ongoing debate over the role of ICE in American society remains at the forefront of public consciousness.
