A wave of violent protests has erupted across the United States

The United States has been thrown into turmoil following the killing of poet and social activist Renée Nicole Good, aged 37. The incident has sparked a wave of protests, raising fears that demonstrations could spread across the entire country. Protesters are reportedly preparing to mobilise in multiple states, including Washington D.C., New York, Texas, and Florida.

According to reports, protests began immediately after Good’s death on Wednesday, 7 January, in Minneapolis. By Saturday, 10 January, thousands of demonstrators had taken to the streets, leading to occasional clashes with law enforcement. German-based media outlet Deutsche Welle reported that despite freezing temperatures and strong winds, thousands continued to protest in Minneapolis on Sunday, carrying placards and chanting slogans critical of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The protests were triggered by Good’s shooting at the hands of an ICE agent. Tensions escalated further following an incident on Thursday outside a Portland hospital, where U.S. border agents shot and injured two Venezuelan migrants. Protesters have accused ICE of abuse of power and unlawful actions, leading to nationwide plans for over a thousand “ICE Out For Good” demonstrations.

Protesters stated in a public declaration that these events expose a “disturbing pattern of unchecked violence and misuse of authority” by federal immigration agencies. They emphasised that their goal is to honour the memory of Renée Good through peaceful, lawful demonstrations while holding authorities accountable.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey described most protests on Saturday as “largely peaceful” and reiterated his calls for the removal of ICE from the city, both before and after Good’s death. Meanwhile, at a rally in Austin, Texas, Congressman Greg Casar urged action, stating, “We cannot sit in despair; we cannot do nothing.” He also called for the resignation of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who had defended the ICE agent’s actions as self-defensive.

The U.S. administration maintains that the shooting was justified as an act of self-defence. The White House claimed the agent acted after Good allegedly attempted to strike an officer with a vehicle. However, video footage shows an ICE agent firing three close-range shots at Good, who appeared to be attempting to move away, suggesting deliberate intent to ensure her death.

Summary of Protests (January 7–10, 2026)

The death of Renée Nicole Good has ignited a nationwide debate over immigration enforcement, police accountability, and the limits of state power, with demonstrators demanding justice and systemic reform.