Author: Heather Schlitz
MINNEAPOLIS (Reuters) – When Fabiola, a single mother and naturalized U.S. citizen from Latin America, first learned that Renee Goode had been shot to death by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, she said she was heartbroken and terrified.
She has joined thousands of other Minnesotans who have volunteered to track ICE agents since Goode was killed, even as she worries for herself and her seven-year-old son, Asher.
“I do feel scared, but at the same time, I know I have to take care of my people, too,” she said.
Activists say they have been overwhelmed by new volunteers despite the potential for violence since Goode was killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross.
Federal agents shot and killed a Minneapolis resident on Saturday, the second since the Trump administration sent 3,000 additional immigration enforcement officers to the city.
Fabiola has lived in the United States for 20 years and owns a construction company, but he never knew Good. The mother of three was shot and killed while pulling over during an immigration enforcement operation, just blocks from Fabiola’s home.
The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment on the risk to observers in Minnesota, but officials have said federal agents respond with firearms when they fear for their lives. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other Trump administration officials have described protesters and observers as “anti-ICE” and “far-left” agitators.
what if something happens to me
Now, Fabiola and Asher find immigration officers whistling when they go to school. She taught Arthur how to identify federal agents by their uniforms and asked him to memorize her grandparents’ phone numbers in case she was detained.
Fabiola, who declined to give her last name for fear of reprisal, also began delivering food to people who were afraid to leave their homes. She often visits Goode’s makeshift memorial.
“She has children, but her children now don’t have a mother,” Fabiola said. “If something happens to me, where are my kids going to go?”
Vice President Vance said during a visit to Minneapolis on Thursday that Goode tried to hit Rose with her car. Analysis of bystander video by Reuters and other media showed Goode’s wheel was turned away from Rose and his legs were clear of the vehicle as he shot her.
At least five organizations provide training on how to monitor ICE operations, warn immigrants of their presence and document the use of force against detainees and protesters. Online training for one of the groups reached its maximum capacity of 1,000 people within hours, said Kate Wegener, the immigration attorney in charge of the training.
“We were worried that attendance would drop after her death, but the exact opposite happened,” she said.
The courses typically offer safety tips: Stay at least eight feet away from federal agents; obey an officer’s orders and keep your distance when driving behind a convoy of agents.
Some observers are highly aware of the risks. Janet, a resident of suburban Minneapolis, declined to give her last name for fear of being doxxed. She said she had written letters to friends and family that they would open if she were killed.
Minnesota state and local authorities encourage observers. Gov. Tim Walz urged residents to get out their cellphones and record federal agents.
The observers, who typically wear fluorescent green vests with whistles hung around their necks, are increasingly seen on busy roads and residential areas as heavily armed, masked and tactical-geared federal agents deploy.
Community resistance has already had some impact. Border Patrol Capt. Gregory Bovino said Wednesday that the city provides a “difficult operating environment” for law enforcement agents.
Organizers compared the level of participation to the surge in activism following the police killing of George Floyd in 2020.
“I’m kinda awake”
On a recent day, two new volunteers, a married couple, were on bicycles astride a busy intersection looking for ICE agents. Snow accumulated on their jackets and frost clung to their eyelashes.
“When Renee Good was killed, that’s when I realized what was happening — I knew something bad was happening, but I didn’t realize how bad it was,” said Aaron, 41, who works in marketing. He declined to give his last name for fear of reprisal. “When that happens, it’s like it’s time to start doing something.”
Earlier in the day, he said he had adjusted his six-mile run to cover neighborhoods where residents reported ICE sightings near schools.
Resisting immigration enforcement carries risks. Immigration observers were tear-gassed and arrested. State authorities said Friday they were collecting arrest data but it was not immediately available.
“Screwed up the work”
For Patty O’Keefe, a 36-year-old nonprofit worker, the risks underscore the importance of being an observer.
“They wouldn’t be trying so hard to intimidate us and leverage all of these resources if we hadn’t actually succeeded in screwing up their operations or slowing them down,” O’Keefe said.
As she followed ICE agents in her car earlier this month, she said five federal agents smashed her car windows, handcuffed her and put her into an unmarked SUV. She said ICE agents photographed her, humiliated her and held her in a Minneapolis detention center for eight hours before releasing her without charge.
The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment on O’Keefe’s account of the incident, and Reuters was not able to independently determine what happened.
She said she now struggles with anxiety but will continue to volunteer.
“I’m just stubborn and I don’t want to give in to fear.”
Many residents speak of Goode with reverence, calling her an inspiration.
On the street where she was killed, dozens of people braved dangerously cold weather to add piles of bouquets, stuffed animals and electric candles that glowed in the snow to a makeshift memorial.
“She gave her life for us,” Fabiola said. “Her soul is in heaven and she protects us.”
(Reporting by Heather Schlitz in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Reporting by Emily Schmall in Chicago. Editing by Emily Schmall and Suzanne Goldenberg.)