Fury erupted Friday after the Trump administration blocked Minnesota investigators from accessing evidence in the ICE shooting that killed Renee Nicole Good, prompting accusations of a federal cover-up and intensifying tensions nationwide today.
State and local prosecutors say the FBI has refused to share materials or allow interviews, a move as the bureau leads the probe into the death of the thirty-seven-year-old protester.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said the FBI has been uncooperative, forcing her office to launch an online portal for citizens to submit evidence related to the fatal Minneapolis encounter earlier this week.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison echoed her concerns, insisting state authorities retain the power to investigate and charge the ICE agent, later identified as veteran officer Jonathan Ross, despite federal resistance so far today.
At the same time, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehensions said it was barred from the scene, denied evidence, and prevented from interviewing witnesses involved in the days following the deadly shooting incident.
Former prosecutors blasted the decision, with ex-federal prosecutor Dan Gelber saying the secrecy resembles a cover-up and undermines public confidence in government institutions during a period of national unrest and growing.
Defense attorney Eric Nelson, known for representing Derek Chauvin, said federal control shocked him and risked eroding trust, especially given Minneapolis’ history and heightened scrutiny after years of unrest and public outrage nationwide.
The Justice Department said that cooperation ended after Mayor Jacob Frey (D) dismissed claims the agent acted in self-defense, accusing locals of bad-faith investigations and refusing to pursue what officials called fairness principles, the Daily Mail reported.
President Donald Trump backed the move, labeling local officials crooked, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Good harassed agents and committed domestic terrorism during an active operation that turned violent suddenly this week.
Noem said the ICE agent acted in self-defense after Good used her vehicle as a weapon, arguing his actions aligned with training and policy when his life was allegedly in danger.
Video released by Alpha News shows Ross approaching the SUV as it blocks the street, then firing as the vehicle moves forward, supporting claims he was struck and faced imminent harm from impact.
Vice President J.D. Vance said Ross deserves gratitude and absolute immunity, a claim Moriarty disputes, noting that qualified immunity does not block criminal charges under state law if rights violations are proven beyond a doubt later.
With federal authorities unlikely to prosecute, any charges would come locally as protests erupt nationwide, demanding accountability from ICE and justice for Good amid chants branding the agent a murderer during demonstrations growing.
Cities have seen riots, unlawful assemblies, and flag burnings, while officials warn tensions are rising after additional border agents shot suspects elsewhere, fueling fears the unrest could spiral further soon across America.
