The recent shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer Jonathan Ross during an immigration protest in Minneapolis on January 7 has led to significant public backlash against the agency. Good's death has left her 6-year-old son without a parent and has intensified scrutiny of ICE's operations, particularly its aggressive tactics.

Reports indicate that public sentiment towards ICE has soured, with some individuals expressing hostility towards ICE agents, including making gun gestures as they pass by. This shift in perception is compounded by the agency's controversial practices, especially those that emerged during the Trump administration. Consequently, ICE is reportedly facing challenges in securing criminal convictions, as juries appear less willing to trust the evidence presented by its agents. Additionally, internal documents suggest that the Border Patrol, which collaborates with ICE, is struggling to recruit agents for operations in Minneapolis.

Polling data from YouGov indicates a notable decline in public approval for ICE, with approval ratings dropping from +16 to -13 since February. The survey revealed that 52% of respondents disapprove of ICE's methods, and 51% believe the agency uses excessive force. Support for abolishing ICE has risen to 42%, up from 19% in the summer of 2024, particularly among Democratic voters.

In response to the shooting, Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) has called for the arrest and prosecution of officer Ross, asserting that the issues within ICE extend beyond individual actions. Khanna has advocated for legislation requiring ICE agents to wear body cameras, display visible identification, and avoid wearing masks during operations. He also highlighted inadequate medical care for detainees observed during a visit to an immigration detention facility in California.

As calls for accountability grow, videos have emerged showing federal immigration officials employing aggressive tactics during operations in Minneapolis, including breaking car windows and forcibly removing individuals during protests. Additional footage has documented the use of tear gas and pepper balls against demonstrators, actions that have become increasingly common in the area. Reports also indicate that ICE agents have been stopping individuals in parking lots to demand proof of immigration status, disproportionately targeting people of color. Despite the unrest, President Donald Trump characterized the protests as "fake," suggesting they were orchestrated and lacking authenticity.