By Rebecca Santana, Associated Press
Posted – January 10, 2026
SALT LAKE CITY — An overwhelming wave of dissent rippled through the streets of Salt Lake City on Saturday as hundreds of protesters rallied against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an outcry resonating through several cities across the nation following the tragic shooting death of Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman, by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.
A Call to Action: "ICE Out For Good"
The event, aptly named "ICE Out For Good," was organized by Salt Lake Indivisible and aimed to spotlight the broader issue of immigration rights amidst an escalating local and national climate of fear and frustration. "We can't tolerate being lied to," proclaimed protester Cassie Hoag, emphasizing the need for voices to be heard in a time of civil unrest. Demonstrators chanted mantras such as "No peace, no justice" and "ICE out Utah," showcasing their demand for change through a vibrant display of handmade signs. Phrases like "Justice for Good" and "Stop abducting our neighbors, no ICE concentration camps" decorated the scene, encapsulating the protesters' sentiments.
Nationwide Solidarity: Protests Across the Country
The Salt Lake protest was a part of nationwide demonstrations that surged in cities including Minneapolis, Durham, and Washington D.C. Thousands gathered in Minneapolis, where Good was shot just a few days earlier, creating a tense environment inundated with mixed emotions as community members expressed their outrage and fear.
Meghan Moore, a Minneapolis mother of two, captured the essence of the moment, stating, "ICE is creating an environment where nobody feels safe, and that's unacceptable." Tensions escalated in Minneapolis as protests turned violent on Friday night, with demonstrators clashing with law enforcement, resulting in injuries and arrests.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the situation through social media, noting, "Trump sent thousands of armed federal officers into our state, and it took just one day for them to kill someone." He further urged residents to keep calm and show restraint amid the turmoil.
The Ongoing ICE Operations
Despite the heightened protests, ICE operations carried on, as federal officials maintained a visible presence in the neighborhoods that were experiencing increased civil unrest. Reports surfaced of agents engaging with the public, issuing warnings, and responding to distress calls about arrests and abandoned vehicles.
Law enforcement in Minneapolis has reported a worrying trend of residents abandoning their vehicles when they are apprehended, amplifying the sense of anxiety permeating the communities.
Political Responses and Congressional Feedback
The implications of the ICE shooting and subsequent protests have not only attracted community activists but have also drawn the attention of political figures. Congressional representatives such as Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison, and Angie Craig attempted to gain insight into ICE’s operations by touring the local facility; however, they were met with obstruction.
After facing expulsion from the building, the congresswomen articulated their frustration, asserting that ICE agents are obstructing their duty to oversee operations. A federal judge recently reinforced this concern by temporarily blocking the Trump administration from enforcing policies that restrict congressional visits to immigration facilities.
The Road Ahead
The snow-covered streets of cities across the United States symbolize the obstacles that remain in the fight for equitable immigration policies and safe living conditions for all. Community gatherings and demonstrations, while sometimes fraught with tension, showcase a growing movement advocating for the rights of immigrants.
As cities like Salt Lake and Minneapolis continue to feel the weight of federal actions, the voices of those frustrated by ICE's practices are becoming impossible to ignore. With more protests slated across states including Texas, Ohio, Florida, and beyond, the call for justice for Renee Good may only be the beginning of a much larger dialogue regarding immigration reform and community safety.
For more local and national developments regarding immigration and civil rights, stay tuned to our updates.
