Council Member Reflects on George Floyd Protests After ICE Killing Sparks Outcry in Minneapolis Neighborhood
A year after a Minneapolis city council member lost an eye during the George Floyd protests, his community is reeling again as Renee Nicole Good, 35, was shot and killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The killing has sparked outrage and parallels to last year's violence.
Stevenson, who participated in the 2020 protests and filed a civil lawsuit against the city after being shot in the face with a rubber bullet, said he felt a sense of déjà vu as he walked through his neighborhood, now eerily quiet due to fear. The area where Good was killed is part of his district, which includes George Floyd Square, the site of a police officer's fatal shooting in 2020 that ignited widespread protests.
"I'm sitting here in Plaza Mexico, a place that is bustling at lunchtime, and it is virtually empty," Stevenson said. "Half the stores are closed, and that's because people are afraid to go outside." The community has come together to support each other, with many residents volunteering their time to help neighbors in need.
As a new member of the city council, Stevenson is determined to figure out how Minneapolis can stand up to ICE. He's receiving emails and calls from constituents demanding action against the agency, echoing comments made by Mayor Jacob Frey that ICE should "get the fuck out of Minneapolis." Stevenson wants Minneapolis authorities involved in investigating Good's death and exploring ways to make ICE's job harder.
The killing has sparked a sense of community response, with mutual aid networks being reactivated. People are giving rides to neighbors' kids and delivering groceries to those afraid to leave their homes due to heightened immigration enforcement. "That sense of community is our immune system," Stevenson said.
As the investigation into Good's death continues, with Trump's Federal Bureau of Investigation taking the lead, Stevenson is resolute in his determination to fight for justice. "We're not gonna go quietly," he said. "I like that about us." The outpouring of support from his community has given him hope that together, they can overcome this setback and create a safer, more just city for all residents.
A year after a Minneapolis city council member lost an eye during the George Floyd protests, his community is reeling again as Renee Nicole Good, 35, was shot and killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The killing has sparked outrage and parallels to last year's violence.
Stevenson, who participated in the 2020 protests and filed a civil lawsuit against the city after being shot in the face with a rubber bullet, said he felt a sense of déjà vu as he walked through his neighborhood, now eerily quiet due to fear. The area where Good was killed is part of his district, which includes George Floyd Square, the site of a police officer's fatal shooting in 2020 that ignited widespread protests.
"I'm sitting here in Plaza Mexico, a place that is bustling at lunchtime, and it is virtually empty," Stevenson said. "Half the stores are closed, and that's because people are afraid to go outside." The community has come together to support each other, with many residents volunteering their time to help neighbors in need.
As a new member of the city council, Stevenson is determined to figure out how Minneapolis can stand up to ICE. He's receiving emails and calls from constituents demanding action against the agency, echoing comments made by Mayor Jacob Frey that ICE should "get the fuck out of Minneapolis." Stevenson wants Minneapolis authorities involved in investigating Good's death and exploring ways to make ICE's job harder.
The killing has sparked a sense of community response, with mutual aid networks being reactivated. People are giving rides to neighbors' kids and delivering groceries to those afraid to leave their homes due to heightened immigration enforcement. "That sense of community is our immune system," Stevenson said.
As the investigation into Good's death continues, with Trump's Federal Bureau of Investigation taking the lead, Stevenson is resolute in his determination to fight for justice. "We're not gonna go quietly," he said. "I like that about us." The outpouring of support from his community has given him hope that together, they can overcome this setback and create a safer, more just city for all residents.
how many times do we have to go through this? it feels like last year's protests were just a precursor to now and we're still dealing with the aftermath of ICE's actions in minneapolis 
i feel like stevenson's community is going through withdrawal or something, all that energy and love they had for each other after george floyd was killed, it's like it's being drained away by the constant fear of ICE 
and yeah, I get why mayor frey wants to kick them out, but at what cost? we're still gonna have to rebuild trust and create a safer space for everyone, not just those who are already marginalized 
. It feels like we're right back to the same brutal cycle of violence and fear that we thought we'd left behind after the George Floyd protests. I mean, how many times do we have to see this? A Black person is killed by ICE agents and suddenly the whole community is on high alert 
.
. Can't we just acknowledge that it's systemic oppression and move forward with justice? But no, our voices get drowned out by the same hate and fear that's perpetuated for centuries 
. His determination to take on ICE head-on is exactly what we need more of in this city 
. We can't let this killing be in vain; we have to keep pushing for change, for justice, and for our community's safety 
.
. It's beautiful to see neighbors looking out for neighbors like that. And yeah, I know some folks might say "get out, ICE" but for Renee and his constituents, it's not just about expelling an agency – it's about creating a city where everyone feels seen, heard, and protected 
.
. The people are demanding change, and we're going to make sure that Renee Good's death doesn't get swept under the rug 
.
. It feels like déjà vu all over again, you know? The community is coming together to support each other, but it's still scary as heck with ICE around 
.
. As a council member, Renee Stevenson has to do his part to make sure justice is served, and I'm rooting for him all the way 
. That sense of community is everything right now, and it gives me hope that we can create a better, safer city for everyone 
. But at the same time, we need to acknowledge the systemic issues that led to this tragedy and keep pushing for change 
.
I mean, it's like we're playing a game of Whac-A-Mole, just when we think we've got one guy down, another pops up and starts causing more chaos. And the fact that they have to resort to shooting someone in broad daylight is just insane... how did we even let this happen? 
... I feel like we're seeing the same pattern over and over again with these ICE agents, it's just not right 
... as a community, they need to come together and demand change, you know? 
... Minneapolis needs to stand up to ICE and fight for justice 
... can't let them get away with this 
. I'm not surprised though, ICE has been making waves everywhere they go 
. As a new city council member, Stevenson is on the right track by wanting to investigate Good's death and make ICE's job harder 
We need more of that sense of community and less of this ICE drama