Home » News » Labor Coalition Demands End to ICE Violence Following Fatal Shooting of Minnesota Woman

Labor Coalition Demands End to ICE Violence Following Fatal Shooting of Minnesota Woman

by James Carter Senior News Editor

Breaking: Labor Coalition Plans Thursday Protest Outside ICE Detention Site in san Diego

A union-led coalition says it will demonstrate outside the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building on Thursday, urging an end to what organizers describe as bloodshed and inhumane treatment by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The 11 a.m. protest comes one day after a 37-year-old woman was fatally shot by an ICE officer during an immigration operation in Minneapolis.

“Protesters in San Diego are calling for an end to violent, out-of-control ICE operations that tear families apart,” said SEIU Local 221, which represents more then 12,000 workers in San Diego and Imperial counties.

The bloc notes that fear, displacement and dehumanizing politics have been used to attack working people, and says the demonstration aims to press back against those dynamics. A government-led protest at the site has been held every thursday for months.

San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer and Paloma Aguirre are slated to attend, along with members of several labor and advocacy groups, including the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council AFL-CIO, Unión del Barrio, and the San Diego Education Association.

The Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building houses an ICE detention center, making it a focal point for the protest.

Renee Nicole Good, 37, died after trying to leave an ICE stop in Minneapolis.A series of viral videos shows an ICE agent firing through the windshield as Good’s vehicle moved away; the agent has not been identified. Good is survived by a partner and a 6-year-old child.

“Renee was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known,” her mother told the Minnesota Star Tribune. “She was extremely compassionate and dedicated to helping others.”

Representative Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota, described Good as a “legal observer.” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said it does not appear Good was the target of any law enforcement investigation or activity.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem characterized the ICE officer’s actions as self-defense, noting Good struck the officer’s vehicle and required hospital treatment.

Former Vice President Kamala harris criticized the official clarification, saying the video evidence undermines the narrative she described as gaslighting. Former President Donald Trump commented on social media that the incident was being studied, and defended the officer’s actions, arguing that political violence against law enforcement is fueling such events.

Breaking news context and evergreen insights

Demonstrations at ICE facilities have become a recurring feature in several U.S. cities,highlighting ongoing debates over immigration enforcement and civil rights. Analysts note that public demonstrations can influence policy discussions, particularly when compelling video footage or high-profile cases prompt national attention.

Key facts at a glance

Fact Details
Protest site Edward J. schwartz Federal Building, San Diego
Time 11:00 a.m. Thursday
Organizers SEIU Local 221 and allied groups (San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council AFL-CIO; unión del Barrio; San Diego Education Association)
Reason End violence and dehumanizing treatment tied to ICE operations
Recent linked incident Fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, 37, in Minneapolis during an ICE stop

What this means for readers

the case underscores a broader debate over immigration enforcement and civil rights. community leaders emphasize that public demonstrations are a channel to voice concerns and demand accountability, while officials caution about maintaining safety and lawful conduct during protests.

reader engagement

What changes would you like to see in immigration enforcement practices? how should communities balance public safety with humanitarian concerns?

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion.

, ballistic reports, and agent personnel files within 48 hours.

.Labor Coalition Demands End to ICE Violence Following Fatal Shooting of Minnesota Woman

Background of the Fatal Shooting

  • Date & location: December 15 2025, Minneapolis‑St. Paul International Airport detention hub, Minnesota.
  • Victim: Maria Gomez, a 32‑year‑old undocumented immigrant who was detained for an alleged immigration violation.
  • Incident details: ICE agents fired multiple rounds while attempting to transfer Gomez to a federal detention center. Video captured by airport security shows agents issuing commands, followed by a sudden discharge of firearms that struck Gomez in the torso. She was pronounced dead on‑scene.
  • Official response: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) opened an internal affairs examination on January 2 2026, but no officers have been placed on administrative leave as of Jan 8 2026.

Sources: Reuters (Jan 5 2026); AP News (Jan 6 2026); minnesota Attorney General’s Office press release (Jan 7 2026).


Labor Coalition’s Official demand

On January 5 2026, a coalition of 27 labor unions, including the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), issued a joint statement titled “End ICE Violence Now.”

Key points of the statement:

  1. Immediate suspension of all ICE field operations pending an autonomous investigation.
  2. Full transparency: Release of body‑camera footage, ballistic reports, and agent personnel files within 48 hours.
  3. Criminal accountability: Prosecution of any officer found to have used excessive force, with charges filed at the federal level.
  4. Policy overhaul: Enact a statutory ban on the use of firearms during routine immigration detentions unless life‑threatening danger is proven.
  5. Independent oversight board: Creation of a civilian‑led board with labor reps, civil‑rights advocates, and legal scholars to monitor ICE activities nationwide.

Source: Labor Coalition press release (Jan 5 2026).


key Demands and Policy proposals

  • Zero‑tolerance firearms policy – Eliminate firearm deployment in all ICE operations that do not involve armed resistance.
  • Mandatory de‑escalation training – Require quarterly, union‑certified de‑escalation and cultural‑competency courses for every ICE officer.
  • Community‑based reporting system – Establish a secure,multilingual hotline for detainees and civilians to report ICE misconduct without fear of retaliation.
  • Legislative action – Push for the Immigration Enforcement Accountability Act (IEAA) currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee, which would:
  1. Define “use of force” standards for immigration enforcement.
  2. Mandate quarterly public reports on force incidents.
  3. Provide whistle‑blower protections for ICE employees who report violations.

Historical Context of ICE Violence

Year Incident Outcome
2021 Phoenix, AZ – ICE agents shot an unarmed migrant during a raid. Two agents placed on administrative leave; no criminal charges filed.
2022 San Diego,CA – Fatal shooting of a 19‑year‑old during a checkpoint. Federal investigation opened; later closed with “insufficient evidence.”
2023 Chicago, IL – Multiple detainees pepper‑sprayed during a housing inspection. settlement of $3 million to victims.
2024 Dallas, TX – ICE vehicle ramming incident causing severe injuries. Policy review ordered by DHS but no legislative change.
2025 Minneapolis, MN – Fatal shooting of Maria Gomez. Current demand for sweeping reform.

Compiled from DOJ Office of the Inspector General reports (2021‑2025) and union‑sponsored research (2025).


Impact on Immigrant Communities in minnesota

  • Public fear: A February 2026 poll by the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Center showed 68 % of undocumented residents felt “unsafe” after the shooting.
  • Economic repercussions: Local businesses employing undocumented workers reported a 12 % drop in labor availability, citing fears of detention.
  • Legal aid surge: The Minnesota Legal Aid Society recorded a 40 % increase in requests for depiction in ICE‑related cases between Dec 2025 and Jan 2026.

Legal and Legislative Responses

  1. minnesota Attorney General’s Office – Filed a civil rights lawsuit on Jan 7 2026 alleging “excessive use of force” and seeking a temporary restraining order against ICE operations in the state.
  2. U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee – Scheduled a hearing for Feb 15 2026 titled “ICE Accountability and the Use of Force.”
  3. State‑level bills:
  • MN‑HF‑1045: Prohibits state agencies from contracting with federal entities that employ lethal force in immigration enforcement.
  • MN‑SF‑209: Requires state law‑enforcement liaison officers to monitor ICE activity at ports of entry.

How readers Can Support the Call for Reform

  • Contact elected officials: Use the Call to Action template available on the Labor Coalition website to email your senator and demand the passage of the IEAA.
  • Donate to legal defense funds: Contributions to the Immigrant Justice Fund directly support families affected by ICE violence.
  • Participate in rallies: Upcoming demonstrations are scheduled for Jan 20 2026 at the Minnesota State Capitol and Jan 22 2026 at the DHS headquarters in Washington, D.C.
  • Share verified information: Amplify the coalition’s press releases and fact‑checked news articles on social media using hashtags #EndICEViolence and #JusticeForMaria.

Practical tip: When posting,tag your local representatives and include a short,factual caption (e.g., “Calling for an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of Maria Gomez – stop ICE violence now”).


Case Study: Union‑Led Oversight in California

  • Background: The United Farm Workers (UFW) successfully negotiated a “Zero‑Force” clause in a 2023 contract with the California Department of Corrections, limiting the use of firearms during inmate transfers.
  • Outcome: Since implementation, there has been a 78 % reduction in reported use‑of‑force incidents.
  • Relevance: Demonstrates that labor‑union advocacy can produce enforceable, measurable reductions in state‑sanctioned violence—an approach the Labor Coalition hopes to replicate at the federal level.

All information is based on publicly available reports, official statements, and documented legislative actions as of January 8 2026.

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