For unknown reasons the City of Santa Ana opted to wade into the debate following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
Here are excerpts from a statement released by the City of Santa Ana:
The City of Santa Ana extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was shot and killed during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Our hearts are with those grieving this tragic and senseless loss of life.
As a city that is proudly immigrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in community, much like Minneapolis, we are concerned by reports of immigration enforcement actions that appear to disregard constitutional protections and target individuals based on race, ethnicity, language or the color of their skin. Practices that foster fear, distrust, and division do not make our communities safer. They do the opposite.
The City of Santa Ana does not condone reckless enforcement practices that endanger lives, violate civil rights, or erode trust and the fundamental principles of dignity and due process. We remain committed to being a safe, welcoming city for everyone, regardless of immigration status.
The fatal shooting of Good is a subject of intense dispute between federal authorities and local observers:
Federal Government Perspective
- Domestic Terrorism: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the White House characterized Good’s actions as an “act of domestic terrorism“.
- Stalking and Obstruction: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Good had been “stalking and impeding” ICE agents throughout the day.
- Weaponization of Vehicle: Authorities claimed Good used her SUV as a weapon, intentionally accelerating toward an agent to “murder” or “run over” them, which prompted the agent to fire in self-defense.
Local and Civil Rights Perspective
- Legal Observation: Minneapolis city officials and activists stated that Good was acting as a legal observer to monitor ICE’s activities and ensure agents were not abusing their power.
- Community Care: The Minneapolis City Council and supporters described her motive as “caring for her neighbors” and attempting to prevent the separation of families during a raid.
- Panic or Flight: Some observers and family members suggested she may have been “terrified” or in a “fight or flight” mode due to being surrounded by armed agents, rather than having a malicious intent to harm.
Contextual Information
- Personal Background: Good was a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, a mother of three, and a graduate of Old Dominion University.
- The Incident: Video footage of the shooting shows Good’s vehicle reversing and then moving forward as agents approached, though interpretations of whether this movement was an intentional attack or an attempt to flee differ sharply.
New video footage also appears to show the wife of Renee Nicole Good, the 37-year-old woman involved in the Minneapolis ICE shooting, outside the vehicle filming while ICE officers were being blocked.
What the video reportedly shows:
- She’s outside the SUV, wearing a flannel shirt
- She walks around the vehicle, recording officers
- Renee is inside the car, actively blocking ICE vehicles
- After the shooting, she runs back to check on Renee
- She tells a nearby man, “That’s my wife.”
- When asked if she can call family, she says: “We’re new here. I don’t have people… I can’t even breathe right now.”
- Video also appears to show the hysterical, blood-covered wife of Good crying out “it’s my fault.”
The video footage raises a disturbing and unavoidable question: Why was she outside filming while her wife was using a vehicle to obstruct federal officers?
Statement from ICE
Today, ICE officers in Minneapolis were conducting targeted operations when rioters began blocking ICE officers and one of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them—an act of domestic terrorism.
An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots.
He used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers.
The alleged perpetrator was hit and is deceased. The ICE officers who were hurt are expected to make full recoveries.
This is the direct consequence of constant attacks and demonization of our officers by sanctuary politicians who fuel and encourage rampant assaults on our law enforcement who are facing 1,300% increase in assaults against them and an 8,000% increase in death threats.
This is an evolving situation, and we will give the public more information as soon as it becomes available.
How you can avoid getting shot while protesting ICE agents
It is a shame that the City of Santa Ana failed to note what actions residents should take to stay safe when they are protesting and actively engaging with ICE agents. What a lost opportunity!
Physical Actions to Avoid
- Do not physically block agents or vehicles: Avoid standing in front of or using vehicles to obstruct ICE transport or operations. Obstructing federal property or impeding operations can be prosecuted under 2026 federal rules.
- Do not ignore “step back” orders: If an officer orders you to move back, comply while stating your right to observe. Defying these orders at the scene can lead to arrest even if you believe the order is unfair.
- Do not touch agents or equipment: Avoid any physical contact with agents, their weapons, or their vehicles, as this can be classified as assault or attempted harm.
- Do not run or make sudden movements: Running away can provide “probable cause” for an arrest. Stay calm and keep your hands visible at all times.
Communication and Identification Mistakes
- Do not provide false information: Never lie about your name, immigration status, or provide fake documents. It is better to remain silent than to provide false statements.
- Do not answer questions about status: Regardless of your citizenship, you have the right to remain silent and are not required to discuss your birthplace or how you entered the country.
- Do not sign anything: Refuse to sign any documents without a lawyer present, as signing can inadvertently waive your rights to a hearing.
Digital and Privacy Risks
- Do not use biometrics to lock your phone: Disable Face ID and Fingerprint recognition. Use a strong 6-digit passcode to prevent agents from forcibly unlocking your device during a detention.
- Avoid livestreaming: Livestreaming can inadvertently reveal the identities of undocumented neighbors or fellow protesters to law enforcement monitoring social media.
- Do not post unverified “raid” reports: Spreading false information can cause unnecessary panic in the community. Only share reports that have been vetted by a trusted Rapid Response Network.
Safety and Gear Cautions
- Avoid “combat-style” gear: While protective equipment like gas masks or helmets may provide safety, they can also make you a primary target for law enforcement “agitator” profiling.
- Do not carry non-U.S. identity documents: If you are undocumented, avoid carrying passports or ID from other countries, as these can be used as evidence for deportation.
“We remain committed to being a safe, welcoming city for everyone, regardless of immigration status”….hmmmm!