Wife of Minnesota Woman Killed in ICE Shooting Says ‘We Had Whistles. They Had Guns’

Minneapolis, MN — The wife of Renee Nicole Good, a 37‑year‑old Minneapolis mother shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, issued a heartfelt public statement Friday that captured both her grief and a stark contrast in the events leading up to her partner’s death. In describing the encounter, Becca Good wrote, “We had whistles. They had guns,” a phrase that has since been echoed across social and traditional media as a symbol of the tension surrounding the incident and the broader debate over federal immigration enforcement tactics.

Good’s fatal shooting occurred on a snowy residential street after federal agents surrounded her SUV during an ICE operation. Video from bystanders shows the woman’s vehicle stopped in the middle of the road, with at least one agent approaching the car and another positioned in front of it. As the vehicle began to move forward, one officer fired multiple shots at close range, striking Good. Federal officials have defended the agent’s actions, characterizing the encounter as self‑defense and suggesting that Good attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon. Local leaders, protesters, and now Good’s family have rejected that characterization, saying the evidence and context do not support a justification for lethal force.

In her written statement, Becca Good focused less on the details of the shooting itself and more on her partner’s life and values. She described Renee as a woman defined by kindness, compassion, and a belief in caring for others. “Renee sparkled,” Becca wrote, noting that her partner’s warmth and generosity were evident to friends, family, and strangers alike. She emphasized that the couple had been raising her 6‑year‑old son together and had only recently settled in Minneapolis after moving from another state.

“We had whistles. They had guns,” Becca said, highlighting the stark difference between what she portrayed as a peaceful presence in their community and the heavily armed federal enforcement action. The statement underscored her belief that the couple’s intent that day was simply to support their neighbors, not to confront or impede law enforcement. She urged continued compassion and unity, vowing to teach their son the values of love and kindness in the face of the tragedy.

Good’s death has ignited protests and public outcry in Minneapolis and beyond, with demonstrators demanding accountability and calling for an end to what they describe as militarized immigration enforcement that disproportionately impacts civilians. Community groups have organized marches, vigils, and forums to demand transparency and justice, while city leaders have called for independent investigations into the shooting and the protocols that led to it.

Political responses have been sharply divided. Some federal officials have maintained that the agents acted appropriately, citing the unpredictable nature of enforcement operations and the safety considerations faced by officers. Local politicians and critics argue that the use of force was excessive and unnecessary, and that federal agencies have failed to engage effectively with community concerns before, during, and after such operations.

As the investigation continues and public pressure mounts, the Good family’s words — “We had whistles. They had guns” — have become a poignant refrain, reflecting both personal loss and broader national debates over policing, immigration policy, and the use of force in civilian encounters. The statement has resonated with supporters and critics alike, fueling ongoing discussions about how law enforcement engages with communities and the need for accountability and reform in federal operations.