White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday twice referred to Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minnesota last week, as a “lunatic," the latest Trump administration denunciation of the deceased mother of three.
Leavitt said that Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who shot Good, was “absolutely justified in using self defense against a lunatic who was part of a group, an organized group, to interject and to impede on law enforcement operations.”
A number of Trump officials have blamed Good for her own death, alleging without evidence she was a “professional agitator.”
Good’s death set off widespread protests, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has said “hundreds” more federal law enforcement agents will be deployed to Minnesota to protect its officers amid the outcry.
Ross shot Good while she was driving an SUV on a residential street in Minneapolis last Wednesday. Footage of the shooting has drawn intense scrutiny, with Democrats accusing Ross of acting recklessly and Republicans claiming Good attempted to strike the agent.
State and local officials in Minnesota sued the Trump administration on Monday, alleging the ongoing DHS immigration crackdown violates the Constitution.
Key Posts
- GoFundMe set up to support ICE agent accused of killing Renee Good
- Anti-ICE protests continue after mother-of-three shot dead in Minneapolis
- DHS sending ‘hundreds’ more officers to Minnesota after fatal shooting
- Kristi Noem refuses to explain why Trump admin leapt to agent’s defense
Signing off for today
00:00 , Josh MarcusWe have concluded today’s live coverage of the ongoing immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
Thank you for reading, and stay tuned with The Independent for the latest updates on this developing situation.
Hello and welcome
Monday 12 January 2026 11:30 , Joe SommerladGood morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the ongoing fallout from the killing of activist Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis last week, which has led to widespread anti-ICE protests in cities across the U.S.
Good, a 37-year-old mother-of-three and poet, was shot dead behind the wheel of her car by immigration agent Jonathan Ross in a confrontation on a suburban street, sparking a huge public outcry when footage of the incident was shared on social media.
GoFundMe set up to support immigration agent accused of killing Renee Good
Monday 12 January 2026 11:55 , Joe SommerladDonations have poured into a GoFundMe account for the ICE officer accused of killing activist Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis last week as protests continued in cities across the U.S. over the weekend.
Good, a 37-year-old mother-of-three, was shot dead by federal immigration agent Jonathan Ross behind the wheel of her SUV on a residential street Wednesday morning, provoking a huge public outcry as footage of the incident was closely scrutinized on social media.
After a GoFundMe page was set up to raise money for the victim’s family, a competing account was established to enable Ross to bankroll his legal defense, which had reached $350,000 at the time of writing.
“I am big believer in our legal principal [sic] that one is innocent until proven guilty,” wrote hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman on X after donating a reported $10,000 to Ross’s cause.
I am big believer in our legal principal that one is innocent until proven guilty.
— Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) January 12, 2026
To that end, I supported the @gofundme for Jonathan Ross and intended to similarly support the gofundme for Renee Good’s family (her gofundme was closed by the time I attempted to provide…
Ackman also said he had intended to donate to Good’s account but that it had been closed before he could do so, nevertheless sharing links to both pages.
The Good family GoFundMe has already raised more than $1.5 million.
Anti-ICE protests continue after mother-of-three shot dead in Minneapolis
Monday 12 January 2026 12:10 , Joe SommerladThousands of people gathered in cities across the U.S. over the weekend to protest the aggressive immigration enforcement action that led to the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis and the shooting of two other people in Portland, Oregon.
Residents of Washington, D.C., Boston, New York, Raleigh, Seattle, and other cities joined the Minneapolis community in grieving the death of Good by marching with signs honoring the 37-year-old mother and chanting anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement sentiments.
“F*** ICE, ICE out,” protesters across the country chanted.
“ICE off our streets for Good,” and “Justice for Renee Good” were among the popular signs photographed in the demonstrations.
Other signs called for the impeachment of President Donald Trump, accused the administration of fascism, and claimed that ICE had committed “murder.”
Ariana Baio has a full report.
Thousands turn up for nationwide anti-ICE protests after killing of Renee Good
DHS sending ‘hundreds’ more officers to Minnesota after fatal shooting
Monday 12 January 2026 12:25 , Joe SommerladThe Department of Homeland Security has said it will be sending “hundreds” more officers to Minnesota after tens of thousands of people marched through Minneapolis to protest the fatal shooting of Renee Good.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on Fox News’s Sunday Morning Futures program that the officers will be deployed to reinforce the safety of ICE and Border Patrol agents already in the state.
About 2,000 federal officers have already been dispatched to the Minneapolis-St Paul area in what DHS considers its largest-ever operation.
Here’s more.
DHS sending ‘hundreds’ more officers to Minnesota after fatal ICE shooting
Watch: Kristi Noem refuses to explain why Trump admin leapt to ICE officer’s defense
Monday 12 January 2026 12:40 , Joe SommerladCNN anchor Jake Tapper pressed Secretary Noem Sunday to explain how the administration was going to guarantee a fair investigation into Jonathan Ross, given that the likes of President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Noem herself had all leapt to the officer’s defense last week.
The secretary attempted to blame Democrats and the media for prejudging the officer’s guilt but had no response when the State of the Union host questioned whether the administration’s stalwart defense of the agent’s actions would harm future investigations.
In pictures: Protesters take to the streets to denounce ICE and remember Renee Good
Monday 12 January 2026 12:55 , Joe SommerladThis weekend’s demonstrations took place at locations across the country, including outside of Trump Tower in New York City and the White House, with the participants demanding justice for the victim and her family.
Celebrities protest ICE on Golden Globes red carpet
Monday 12 January 2026 13:10 , Joe SommerladStars attending last night’s awards gala including actor Mark Ruffalo sported black-and-white lapel pins displaying slogans like “Be Good” and “ICE Out” in response to last week’s tragic incident.
“We need every part of civil society, society to speak up,” said Nelini Stamp of Working Families Power, one of the organizers behind the pin protest.
“We need our artists. We need our entertainers. We need the folks who reflect society.”
‘I don’t know how we recover from this’: White House insiders alarmed over Noem’s quick response to shooting
Monday 12 January 2026 13:35 , Joe SommerladSome White House insiders were stunned by the Trump administration’s rapid response to the deadly Minneapolis shooting and are concerned that it could undermine confidence in the investigation, according to a Politico report.
Just hours after Renee Good was fatally shot on Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused the 37-year-old mom of “domestic terrorism,” prompting concern from within the administration and among current and former ICE officials, the report claims.
Insiders fear that the secretary’s message risks “undermining public confidence in the ongoing investigation” and “expanding the credibility gap between the public and the immigration agency.”
Katie Hawkinson has more.
White House insiders stunned after Noem’s response to Renee Good: report
Stephen Miller’s cousin blames him for the Minneapolis killing: ‘Her blood is on your hands’
Monday 12 January 2026 14:00 , Joe SommerladThe cousin of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has accused him of being responsible for Renee Good’s death.
“When I called out my cousin for being the ‘face of evil’ I DID NOT stutter,” Alisa Kasmer wrote on Threads, referencing a Facebook post she made last year.
“Renee Nicole Good’s death is blood on YOUR hands, Stephen. I’m just glad our grandparents are no longer alive to witness the shame you have brought to our family.”
Erin Keller reports.
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Stephen Miller’s cousin blames him for the killing in Minneapolis
Trump addresses 'absolute immunity' for ICE agent who shot Renee Good
Monday 12 January 2026 14:33 , Brendan RasciusPresident Donald Trump was questioned regarding his administration’s assertion that the ICE agent who shot Renee Good is shielded by absolute immunity.
“How do you define absolute immunity? What does that mean?” a reporter asked the president while flying on Air Force One yesterday.
“Well, I'm going to let the people define it,” Trump said. “But immunity, you know what immunity what knows means as well as I do.”
“You can’t be treating law enforcement that way,” he added.
DHS posts video seeking to combat media 'smears' about ICE shooting
Monday 12 January 2026 15:00 , Brendan RasciusThe Department of Homeland Security has released a video aiming to combat media “smears” surrounding the shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis and a subsequent Border Patrol shooting in Portland.
The ICE agent who shot Good fired “defensive shots” and “saved his own life,” a DHS spokesperson said in the video, which was posted to social media on Sunday.
Similarly, the Border Patrol agent who shot two motorists in Portland the next day was acting defensively after the pair — both “suspected members of Tren de Aragua” — “weaponized their vehicle,” the spokesperson said.
“These attacks are the direct consequence of constant attacks and demonization of our officers by sanctuary politicians,” the spokesperson said. “These men and women are simply enforcing the law on the books.”
Defend the Homeland. Protect the American way of life.
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 11, 2026
The nonstop lies and smears from the FAKE NEWS are meant to tear down our brave men and women who protect our homeland every day. pic.twitter.com/UEkruVc4pf
Ilhan Omar calls on Americans to document ICE activity
Monday 12 January 2026 15:30 , Brendan RasciusRep. Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, urged Americans to document ICE activity, following last week’s fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
“I think it is really important for Americans to record to create the level of accountability and transparency that we need,” Omar told CBS News on Sunday.
“What we have seen in Minneapolis is ICE agents oftentimes jumping out of their cars,” she continued. “These are unmarked cars. Oftentimes they’re wearing a mask, they’re approaching, running towards cars. They’re pulling people out of those cars. Oftentimes those people are citizens. Oftentimes these people have documentation of their legal right to be in this country, and we know that DHS has lied repeatedly when it comes to these accounts.”
Stephen Miller accuses Democrats of supporting 'violent resistance' to law enforcement
Monday 12 January 2026 16:05 , Brendan RasciusWhite House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller accused Democrats of supporting violence against law enforcement, following the shooting of Renee Good.
“Americans voting overwhelmingly for mass deportation,” Miller wrote on X on Sunday afternoon. “Congress passed laws requiring it and then passed new legislation to fully fund it. The response of the Democrat Party and its activists has been to support and orchestrate violent resistance against federal law enforcement.”
Americans voting overwhelmingly for mass deportation.
— Stephen Miller (@StephenM) January 11, 2026
Congress passed laws requiring it and then passed new legislation to fully fund it.
The response of the Democrat Party and its activists has been to support and orchestrate violent resistance against federal law enforcement.
More anti-ICE protests scheduled to take place on Monday
Monday 12 January 2026 16:30 , Brendan RasciusMultiple anti-ICE protests are scheduled to take place on Monday, following a wave of demonstrations in cities across the country this weekend.
A number of activist groups are planning to march and protest against federal immigration enforcement in Syracuse, New York, today, according to Syracuse.com.
And another protest is set to be held in Marathon, Florida, on the same day, according to CBS News.
The protests come after Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday.
Democratic congressman calls 'BS' on Vance's political violence comments
Monday 12 January 2026 17:00 , Brendan RasciusRep. Jim McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat, called “BS” on Vice President JD Vance’s comments about political violence following the killing of Renee Good.
On January 8, Vance said that the Trump administration “is not gonna tolerate political violence of any kind” after accusing Democrats of supporting such violence.
“This is such BS,” McGovern wrote on X on Monday in response to Vance.
“Your administration pardoned thousands of people who beat cops with broken furniture & ransacked the Capitol during a failed coup attempt to try to stop the certification of an election. That is the definition of political violence,” he added.
This is such BS. Your administration pardoned thousands of people who beat cops with broken furniture & ransacked the Capitol during a failed coup attempt to try to stop the certification of an election. That is the definition of political violence. https://t.co/3OeJj9oBkk
— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) January 12, 2026
Dems demand emergency court hearing over access to ICE jails — with funding on the line
Monday 12 January 2026 17:30 , Brendan RasciusA group of House Democrats suing for access to federal immigration detention centers are demanding a federal judge’s urgent intervention after Kristi Noem’s Department of Homeland Security quietly ordered new restrictions barring them from entering.
Democratic lawmakers are now suggesting they could block future funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement if they’re blocked from ICE facilities under Noem’s “brazen” order, attorneys wrote Monday.
Annual funding for Homeland Security lapses January 30, and “members of Congress are actively negotiating over the funding of DHS and ICE, including consideration of the scope of and limitations on DHS’s funding for the next fiscal year,” attorneys wrote.
Alex Woodward reports...
Democrats demand access to ICE jails — with funding on the line
1,000 ICE and CBP agents to deploy to Minneapolis, report says
Monday 12 January 2026 18:04 , Brendan RasciusAbout 1,000 ICE and Border Protection agents are set to deploy to Minneapolis, multiple law enforcement sources told CNN on Monday.
The surge comes after ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot Renee Good in the city last week, resulting in widespread protests.
IN PHOTOS: Demonstrators show up across the country to protest ICE
Monday 12 January 2026 18:30 , Brendan RasciusOver the weekend, demonstrators showed up in cities across the country to protest ICE, following the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis last week, photos show.
Multiple Native Americans have been detained by ICE in Minneapolis, report says
Monday 12 January 2026 19:00 , Brendan RasciusICE has detained multiple Native Americans during recent raids in Minneapolis, according to a new report, which comes as federal immigration officers have boosted their presence in the city after the shooting of Renee Good.
Leaders of the city’s American Indian community told The Minnesota Star Tribune that at least five members of their community have been taken into ICE custody.
“There’s a lot of fear that has come out of these situations where, because our people are brown-skinned, they’re being questioned, and undoubtedly it’s racism,” Red Lake Nation Secretary Sam Strong told the outlet on Monday. “The first people of Minnesota are being detained for being immigrants. I mean, just on its face, it’s just so wrong.”
DHS did not respond to a request for comment from the outlet.
Karoline Leavitt says Trump 'absolutely' stands behind Jonathan Ross
Monday 12 January 2026 19:20 , Brendan RasciusWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Donald Trump “absolutely” supports Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who fatally shot Renee Good.
“The officer who was involved in the shooting — does the president stand fully behind that officer?” a Fox News host asked Leavitt on Monday. “Does the president believe his actions were justified?”
“Absolutely, and I think the more evidence that comes out shows the officer was justified,” Leavitt said.
She described Good as a “deranged lunatic” who “was trying to ram” Ross, who she called “an experienced and brave individual.”
Democratic congressman calls for ICE to be 'disbanded'
Monday 12 January 2026 19:33 , Brendan RasciusRep. Joaquin Castro, a Texas Democrat, called for ICE to be dismantled following the fatal shooting of Renee Good last week in Minneapolis.
“ICE should be disbanded,” Castro told The Bulwark in comments published on Sunday. “It has become a completely rogue operation arresting U.S. citizens, engaged in racial profiling, and deporting people out of the country without telling their families where they’re sending them.”
Schools in Minneapolis reopen after canceling classes last week
Monday 12 January 2026 20:05 , Brendan RasciusSchools in Minneapolis reopened on Monday after cancelling classes last week amid safety concerns related to ramped up ICE activity in the state.
“The districts are offering extra security measures this week,” according to Minnesota Public Radio, which noted that some walkouts are expected.
City of Minneapolis encourages residents to know their rights amid ramped up ICE activity
Monday 12 January 2026 20:30 , Brendan RasciusThe City of Minneapolis encouraged residents to know their rights amid an uptick in ICE activity throughout the state.
“ICE needs a judge-signed warrant with your name and address to enter,” a graphic posted by the city on Sunday evening states.
“You can ask you to show you the warrant through a window or under the door,” the graphic adds. “If there is no valid warrant, you have the right to keep your door closed.”
Before opening your door to ICE, know your rights, as recommended by the Immigrant Law Center. Remember to assert them calmly and safely.
— City of Minneapolis (@CityMinneapolis) January 11, 2026
Info also available in: Soomaali, Español, Hmoob, Afaan Oromoo
➡️ https://t.co/A43VqaKAIn pic.twitter.com/LUJSojxRyQ
Hilton worker fired after warning of ICE activity at the hotel where she worked
Monday 12 January 2026 21:06 , Brendan RasciusA Texas woman has been fired after she posted a TikTok video warning of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity near the hotel where she worked, according to a new report.
“Hey guys, my name is Gia, and I just wanna give a warning: There are ICE agents staying at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas,” the woman said in a video posted on January 7.
“Please warn your families if you or somebody who works here is worried about their immigration status,” she continued. “Quite frankly, I don’t really care if I lose my job. I care more about your families and about unity.”
Brendan Rascius reports...
Hilton worker fired after warning of ICE activity at the hotel where she worked
Democratic congressman calls on Kristi Noem to resign over her comments about Renee Good
Monday 12 January 2026 21:30 , Brendan RasciusRep. Ted Lieu, a California Democrat, called on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to resign over her remarks about Renee Good.
“Her comments calling the woman killed by a federal agent a ‘domestic terrorist’ are ‘disgraceful,’” the congressman said in an X post on Monday.
In recent days, multiple Democrats in Congress have called for Noem to resign or be impeached — an unlikely possibility given Republicans control both chambers.
Bill Ackman supports GoFundMe for ICE shooter
Monday 12 January 2026 22:15 , Brendan RasciusBillionaire Bill Ackman said he supported a GoFundMe for Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis last week.
“I am big believer in our legal principal that one is innocent until proven guilty,” Ackman, who endorsed Trump in 2024, wrote on X last night.
“To that end, I supported the @gofundme for Jonathan Ross and intended to similarly support the gofundme for Renee Good’s family (her gofundme was closed by the time I attempted to provide support),” he added. “The whole situation is a tragedy.”
Illinois files lawsuit against DHS over 'unlawful and dangerous tactics'
Monday 12 January 2026 22:21 , Brendan RasciusIllinois and Chicago filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security on Monday over what officials described as “unlawful and dangerous tactics” deployed by ICE and Border Protection agents in the state.
“Border Patrol agents and ICE officers have acted as occupiers rather than officers of the law,” Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said in a statement. “I filed this lawsuit to stand up for the safety of the people of Illinois and the sovereignty of our state.”
The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, requests that a judge block DHS from carrying out immigration enforcement operations in the state.
It comes less than one week after an ICE agent fatally shot a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis, triggering nationwide protests against the federal agency.
Minnesota files lawsuit against DHS seeking end to 'surge' of agents in the state
Monday 12 January 2026 22:39 , Brendan RasciusMinnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit on Monday against the Department of Homeland Security, which asks that a judge “end the unprecedented surge of DHS agents into the state and declare it unconstitutional and unlawful.”
“The unlawful deployment of thousands of armed, masked, and poorly trained federal agents is hurting Minnesota,” Ellison said in a statement. “People are being racially profiled, harassed, terrorized, and assaulted. Schools have gone into lockdown. Businesses have been forced to close. Minnesota police are spending countless hours dealing with the chaos ICE is causing. This federal invasion of the Twin Cities has to stop, so today I am suing DHS to bring it to an end.”
Also on Monday, Illinois and Chicago filed a lawsuit seeking to bar DHS from carrying out immigration enforcement operations in the Prairie State.
Tim Walz posts photo of himself at site of Renee Good's killing
Monday 12 January 2026 22:46 , Brendan RasciusMinnesota Governor Tim Walz posted a photo of himself visiting the site where Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week.
“Rest in peace,” Walz captioned the photo, which was posted on Monday afternoon.
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/vWw776toHt
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) January 12, 2026
White House rips Minnesota over 'pathetic' lawsuit
Monday 12 January 2026 22:55 , Josh MarcusThe White House had a scathing response Monday to Minnesota’s lawsuit against the administration for its ongoing immigration crackdown in the state.
“If Minnesota Democrats cared as much about protecting Americans from criminal aliens and Somali fraudsters as they did about defending criminal illegal aliens, Minnesotans would be much better off,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told The Independent. “This pathetic stunt only proves that Democrats will put illegal criminals over hardworking Americans every time.”
The lawsuit accuses the Trump administration of violating the Constitution and racially profiling residents as part of the operation, which first ramped up in December.
Minnesota sues Trump over immigration crackdown that has ‘terrorized’ Minneapolis
DHS rebuts claim that ICE agent entered porta-potty with handcuffed woman
Monday 12 January 2026 23:10 , Brendan RasciusThe Department of Homeland Security took to X on Monday to rebut a claim that an ICE agent entered a porta-potty with a handcuffed woman. A video of the supposed interaction circulated online over the weekend, garnering millions of views.
“The illegal alien in this video was a male and had to use restroom,” DHS wrote in a post. “We don’t deny people the right to use the bathroom, however standard policy is to never allow a subject in custody to enter an enclosed area alone as they are under arrest and could barricade themselves in. Procedure is same used in any location, such as hospital etc.”
The illegal alien in this video was a male and had to use restroom.
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 12, 2026
We don’t deny people the right to use the bathroom, however standard policy is to never allow a subject in custody to enter an enclosed area alone as they are under arrest and could barricade themselves in.… https://t.co/gRl5olYi8J
Trump's ICE operation in Minneapolis is costing city millions, mayor claims
Monday 12 January 2026 23:25 , Josh MarcusThe Trump administration’s ongoing immigration crackdown in Minneapolis could cost the city millions of dollars in police overtime, the mayor warned in a court declaration as part of Minnesota’s recently filed lawsuit against immigration officials.
In order to respond to the security crisis created by the military-style operation, the city has canceled nearly 1,000 days of vacation for officers and extended shifts. Minneapolis has spent nearly $2.5 million in police overtime between January 8 and 11 alone, according to the documents.
“I also fear for the safety of our police officers who are being called too often to respond to situations related to Defendants immigration enforcement activities where tensions are high between community members and federal immigration agents, and people on the scene, including federal agents are armed,” Mayor Jacob Frey wrote.
At least six officers have been injured responding to the scene of enforcement activities.
Creator of viral MN daycare 'fraud' video sits for extended interview
Monday 12 January 2026 23:40 , Josh Marcus
Nick Shirley, the creator of the viral video on alleged fraud at Minnesota daycare centers that helped inspire the Trump administration’s crackdown, has sat for an in-depth interview about the clip.
“I have quite literally saved America millions of dollars,” he told YouTube show Channel 5. “That’s why you saw the mainstream media attack me instantaneously.”
Crowdfunding campaigns for ICE officer Jonathan Ross raise more than $520,000
00:00 , Josh MarcusOnline fundraising campaigns have channeled more than $520,000 to support ICE officer Jonathan Ross, who fatally shot Minneapolis woman Renee Good last week.
The donations are across platforms like GoFundMe and GiveSendGo.
The Trump administration, as well as much of the right, has rallied behind Ross, arguing he shot Good in self-defense as she drove at him with an SUV.
Local officials in Minnesota say this narrative is false and Ross needlessly used lethal force as Good was set to drive away from him.
Former officers break down fatal Minneapolis ICE videos after conflicting reports
