 Vigil at 34th & Portland for Renee Good Taken by CM Chowdhury 1/7/2025
Dear Neighbors,
I write this message with a heavy heart and gratitude for our Minneapolis community. Yesterday, I was on the scene at 34th St and Portland Ave S, where Renee Good, a mother, wife, poet, 37 year old women, was shot and killed by ICE while she was doing legal observation. I am horrified, angered, and my heart is with the family who lost their loved one. She should still be alive. Thank you to all who have called and emailed my office with your thoughts, concerns, and feelings in this moment.
The DHS and President Trump tried to falsely claim that this was an act of self-defense. There has been no investigation. This was a massive escalation of deadly force. And this morning, the Federal government removed the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension from the investigation of this fatal ICE shooting– this flies in the face of transparency and fairness in this process. We need to call this for what it is: propaganda.
The agent who killed Renee Good must be brought to justice.
ICE is not keeping anyone safe, they are only causing harm by terrorizing our community and racially profiling our neighbors. Yesterday, hours after the shooting, ICE descended on Roosevelt High School after school dismissal, and our school staff and educators bravely told them to leave school property. ICE detained a school educator who did nothing wrong and was later released, along with a community member who was observing. While our school kids were present, they deployed chemical irritants. This is unacceptable and highlights the cruelty in which agents are operating. Let me be clear: I’m joining my elected leaders in our state to call on ICE and Federal agents to pack their bags and leave our city immediately. Our people will not be made to be a political prop for the President’s reckless agenda.
I understand there is a lot of fear and uncertainty as we navigate what the days ahead will look like. I will keep you updated, and I encourage you to follow me on my social media accounts across platforms.
All in all, the goal of the federal government is clear: to sow chaos and further harm our neighbors. I thank every committed resident who shows up and shows compassion by caring for our immigrant neighbors and ensuring they are safe. Everyone has a role in this moment, whether that’s doing rapid response, being a legal observer, giving rides to vulnerable community members, or donating to legal immigration services and organizations.
Please be safe, please be vigilant, please understand that the federal government is trying to bait our community to justify their behavior. Let’s not take the bait. Solidarity with our immigrant neighbors and all those who are showing up in this moment. I see you, I appreciate you, and I am inspired by you. Stay strong, I believe in us.
Review peaceful and lawful gathering tips to keep yourself and your neighbors safe.
In community,
Council Member Aurin Chowdhury
Stay updated with accurate information
Federal agents are sowing chaos in our city. Accurate information is a powerful tool to prevent misinformation and further chaos. You can always use City of Minneapolis social media accounts for up-to-date information about how the City is preparing for a potential military or federal deployment by visiting our website, or looking at Facebook, Bluesky, X, or Threads.
School Closed today 1/8 & 1/9 for safety concerns out of an abundance of caution.
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