PHOENIX – A deadly ICE-involved shooting in Minnesota sparked protests across the country Thursday, including a demonstration outside the agency’s field office in Phoenix where advocates and lawmakers demanded a federal investigation.
What we know:
The protests follow the Wednesday, Jan. 7 death of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. Video of the encounter has fueled national outrage, though Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the agent’s actions, stating the agent fired in self-defense after Good allegedly attempted to ram them with a vehicle.
Speaking on the House floor Thursday, Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Ariz., called for an independent probe into the Department of Homeland Security.
“A woman is dead. A child has been left without a parent,” Ansari said. “What happened to Renee Good demands a full, independent and immediate investigation.”
Outside the Phoenix ICE headquarters on Central Avenue, crowds fluctuated throughout the afternoon. Protesters expressed anger over the death of Good, who was identified by demonstrators as a U.S. citizen.
“A U.S. citizen was killed yesterday in Minneapolis,” one protester said. “That’s why there should be more people out on the streets.”
Anti-ICE rally held in downtown Phoenix
Protests were held outside ICE headquarters in downtown Phoenix after a woman was shot and killed by immigration officers in Minneapolis. FOX 10’s Kenzie Beach reports.
Local perspective:
The unrest comes amid fears that similar enforcement operations could occur in the Valley. When asked if raids were planned for the Phoenix area, an ICE field office spokesperson told FOX 10 the agency “does not discuss any alleged ongoing, upcoming or planned immigration enforcement operations” due to operational security.
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