Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has publicly demanded that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) allow Minnesota state officials to participate in the inquiry into the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. Frey accused the Trump administration of being "so quick to jump on a narrative as opposed to the truth."
Concerns Over Fairness and Immediate Allegations
The call for a joint, transparent investigation stems from deep concerns about the impartiality of a federal-only probe. These worries were amplified when Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem immediately characterised Good's actions during the incident as "domestic terrorism." This label was applied while significant questions remained about Good's intent and before the release of critical video evidence.
Secretary Noem later asserted that state-level prosecutors "don't have any jurisdiction in this investigation," a stance that has alarmed local leaders. US Vice-President JD Vance further complicated the situation by stating the ICE officer is "protected by absolute immunity" and was "doing his job."
Video Evidence Contradicts Official Narrative
Subsequent video analyses have directly challenged the initial claims made by Trump administration officials. Footage from an officer's cellphone shows Good calmly telling an ICE agent, "I'm not mad at you," moments before she was shot. After the shooting, a voice, believed to be the officer who fired, is heard calling her a "fucking bitch."
Analysts have determined that Good was turning her car away from the officer, not attempting to run him over as officials had alleged. This evidence has led Mayor Frey and others to vehemently push back against the premature "domestic terrorism" depiction.
Political Fallout and a Heated Exchange
The case has ignited a fierce political battle. Democratic US Senator for Minnesota, Tina Smith, questioned the legitimacy of the Trump administration's investigation, suggesting they have a "strategy of putting out what their version of events are." She warned this approach is "very dangerous."
When pressed on the terrorism allegation, Trump's former border czar, Tom Homan, deflected but stated, "if you look up the definition of terrorism, it could fall within that definition."
Mayor Frey, who sparked headlines by telling ICE to "get the fuck out of Minneapolis," accepted some responsibility for the heightened political temperature. However, he sharply contrasted his language with the gravity of the incident: "I dropped an F-bomb, and they killed somebody. I think the killing somebody is the inflammatory element here."
The demand for a transparent, inclusive investigation continues as protests have erupted and Secretary Noem vows to send hundreds more federal agents to the city.
