Protests erupt in Phoenix following deadly ICE shooting in Minnesota

Ansari challenges DHS Secretary Noem over deadly ICE shooting

Demonstrators gathered outside the ICE field office in Phoenix to join nationwide protests following the death of Renee Nicole Good, who was killed during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis. FOX 10's Kenzie Beach has the details.

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.

Vigil held in Mesa

Mesa mourners react to federal agent shootings

A Mesa vigil on Thursday night drew mourners wanting to honor those killed and injured in recent immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota and Oregon. FOX 10's Megan Spector reports.

Mourners gathered in Mesa on Thursday night for an emotional vigil following a string of fatal and violent encounters involving federal agents. The event focused largely on the death of Renee Nicole Good, who was killed Wednesday during an ICE enforcement action in Minneapolis.

The Mesa gathering was one of several vigils held nationwide as news broke of another shooting involving U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Portland, Oregon.

"Let’s now hold one moment of silence for Renee Nicole Good," one attendee said. "A mother, a daughter, an innocent American civilian."

Participants lit candles and held signs as speakers expressed fear and anger over the escalating tension between federal law enforcement and the public. One mother at the vigil described the situation as "abhorrent," adding that she was shaken by the thought of children losing a parent to "something so senseless."

While Homeland Security officials have maintained that the Minnesota shooting was an act of self-defense, many at the Mesa vigil rejected that claim.

"We need to be clear about the situation," a protester said. "This was not self-defense; this was murder."

The wave of communal loss has sparked a broader civic outcry, with demonstrators warning that the divide in the United States is becoming more pronounced.

"This affects all of us," one attendee said. "And it will get worse if we allow it to continue."

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