FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2026
Media Contact
Eme Crawford, SiX Senior Director, Communications
eme@stateinnovation.org
EJ Juárez, Executive Director, State Innovation Exchange
“We are outraged by the killing of a woman in Minneapolis by an ICE officer on January 7, 2026. Our thoughts are with her family, loved ones, and everyone in the community grieving this devastating loss.
This tragedy is not an isolated “incident”—it is what happens when a federal agency is unleashed on local communities with little accountability and a mandate shaped by political theater instead of public safety. The disregard for truth in the aftermath of this incident by Federal officials is disturbing.
Let’s be clear: ICE operates as a state-sanctioned band of thugs, covering their faces in official duties, treating the public with disdain unbecoming of law-enforcement officers, and harassing families across this country for cheap political points.
This is executive overreach at its most dangerous: federal power exercised in our neighborhoods without accountability, leaving families and communities to absorb the harm. We refuse to accept a reality where a person can be killed on their way home and officials expect us to accept justifications that don't match our values or our own eyes when presented with evidence. We will stand with Minnesota leaders and demand ICE leave Minneapolis and Minnesota immediately.
SiX is steadfast in its commitment to our network, the communities they serve, and the fight against fascism in this country.”
Minnesota House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson, District 35A
“A woman was shot and killed today by an ICE officer. We’re monitoring the situation and gathering the facts, but we know this is yet another dark day for Minnesota as the federal government continues to target our state.
We are devastated and angry, but it is critical that we do not give Donald Trump any more excuse to escalate harm. At moments like this, we all have a role in keeping each other safe while we fight for accountability and solutions.
In Minnesota, we take care of each other. We care about our neighbors. By contrast, ICE’s actions in Minneapolis are making us less safe.”
Florida Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, District 17
“I represent central Florida, where immigration is not an abstract policy debate. It is families, workers, students, and small business owners who are part of our communities. And right now, too many of them are living in fear. Fear of being targeted without transparency, fear of being separated from their families, and fear that political extremism has replaced basic standards of public safety and accountability.
Like many of you, we are heartbroken and angered by the murder of Renee Nicole Good. She was an American citizen. And this all happened during an ICE operation. This is exactly what many of us have warned about. When immigration enforcement is driven by fear, secrecy, and political extremism, innocent people are put in danger. Trump's extreme deportation regime has become a threat to public safety. When armed, masked agents operate without transparency or accountability, tragedy is not an accident. It is the foreseeable outcome. No one should lose their life because law enforcement is allowed to operate in the shadows, as ICE is able to do.”
Arizona Senator Analise Ortiz, District 24
“I want to honor the life of Renee Nicole Good, and make clear that immigration is a reproductive justice issue. Here in Arizona, families are being torn apart and separated by this brutal regime, and we need to ensure that families stay together and that people who want to become parents can do so in healthy and thriving environments for their children.”
Georgia Senator Kim Jackson, District 41
“As I went to bed last night after yet another day of vicious and gut-wrenching violence at the hands of ICE, I mourned deeply for the family and friends of Renee Nicole Good. For Minneapolis and all those living in fear of ICE. For those who have been targeted and those who have stepped in to help protect our neighbors, and for the very soul of our country.
I awake today knowing that in every state across our country, legislative session is about to begin (or has begun). With each proposed law, I cling to the hope that each state legislator will dig deep in their hearts to consider:
Will this law make our community and our state a better place for all who live here?
Will this legislation help protect us from the acts of extremism raining down on us from our federal government?
Will this bill show loving kindness to our neighbors?
For it is in our statehouses that real change can happen. It is in our local politics that ordinary people can protect our democracy. YOU the people have a charge: to get involved, not only on a federal level, but on a state level. You have a charge, as a citizen of this country, to get involved in the politics of our lives – for it is our very lives that depend on it.
I beg of you today and every day: do not turn a blind eye to this violence and extremism. Stand up, speak out. Share truth. Go to your state capitols if you can. Write to your legislators. Call their offices. Do not remain silent. For in silence, much is said. Blanket your neighbors in love and dignity, whether they look like you or not. For all humans are worthy of love and dignity. And we are charged to show that love to all humankind.”
SiX Resources to Support State Legislators:
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About State Innovation Exchange (SiX)
State Innovation Exchange (SiX) is a national resource and strategy center that supports state legislators in advancing transformative policy and building a more equitable democracy. SiX partners with lawmakers to promote sustainable, people-centered solutions that strengthen communities and improve lives.