Rep. Upchurch Releases Statement Following Murder of Renee Good in Minneapolis

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland) today released the following statement condemning the murder of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis at the hands of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent: 

“This country has witnessed the unnecessary violence perpetrated by ICE agents who claim to enforce immigration law, while their actions have led to increased risk to public safety, and the senseless murder of an innocent woman.

Renee Nicole Good was only 37 years old at the time of her death. She was a loving mother, caring neighbor, and compassionate human being. Her unwarranted loss was an example of institutional violence that continues to permeate communities across the country. We cannot tolerate members of our community being harassed and potentially harmed by federal agents.

This administration’s actions have led to a public execution that cannot be ignored. ICE needs to allow local police officers to do their job, instead of unilaterally making decisions that put people in harm’s way. It should not be the role of the federal government to usurp local authority when it comes to policing and public safety. Any unnecessary violence is a threat to the safety of communities across the nation, and we must unite in our efforts to condemn and stop institutional violence.” 

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has not shared the identity of the ICE officer, claiming it was an “act of domestic terrorism.” President Donald Trump supports these claims, claiming the woman involved was a “professional agitator” and “violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE officer.” 

Local leaders-including the mayor and governor- dispute that narrative, saying video evidence does not support the self-defense claim and calls for accountability. Unfortunately, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said it was forced to withdraw from investigating the shooting.