Days after the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old US citizen by an ICE agent in Minnesota, US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has encouraged the public to buy ICE officers lunch for National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
Noem said people should “do something nice” for federal officers to mark the occasion, which is marked annually on January 9.
Noem had called the victim a ‘domestic terrorist’
In her earlier remarks, Noem had also called the Minnesota victim, identified as Renee Nicole Good, a “domestic terrorist”, who “weaponised her vehicle” against ICE agent Jonathon Ross, who ultimately shot her in the face.
Widespread protests across US
Her remarks come amid widespread protests across Minneapolis and other places over the shooting, which was termed to be an act of “self defence” by US federal authorities, one that several eye witnesses at the scene did not agree with.
Several protestors have also called for the ICE to halt immigration services.
Schools in Minneapolis will remain closed for the week due to safety concerns. Residents had also erected barriers to hold space for Good’s memorial, which were eventually removed.
Protestors carried signs mourning the loss of Renee Good, some demanding justice.
“She had a family, had kids, the whole nine yards, so it’s just a lot of pain, a lot of pain,” a protestor, Thomas Oriente, said, according to CBS News. For others, the pain of this moment is a reminder of the troubling years before.
“You know, this goes back to George Floyd, Melissa Hortman and now this, it’s like what’s next? And I’m 81 years old. I care about this country; I served in our military. And I don’t like what’s happening,” another protestor said.
What’s happening with the case right now?
The City of Minneapolis released a statement on Thursday after the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said they had been removed from the investigation into the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good.
“We are concerned that the investigation is proceeding without state partners, and we are calling for a clear and transparent process that includes state investigating agencies,” said Commissioner Todd Barnette, Minneapolis Office of Community Safety.
The FBI is currently probing the shooting. Reacting to the move, Governor Tim Walz said, “It feels very, very difficult that we will get a fair outcome”.