Former DHS Official Links Fatal Minneapolis ICE Shooting to Sanctuary City Policies

By Nicole Weatherholtz | Thursday, January 8, 2026

A former acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security has attributed Wednesday’s fatal shooting involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to anti-ICE policies enacted by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

During an ICE operation in Minneapolis, a driver allegedly blocked agents with her vehicle, ignored police commands, and attempted to flee the scene — prompting officers to open fire when her vehicle approached one of them. The driver, identified as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, was killed in the incident.

Chad Wolf, former DHS acting secretary, stated on Thursday that Frey and Walz’s policies “drove this incident to where it is today.” He criticized their sanctuary city approaches, saying they prevent ICE from taking custody of suspects in controlled environments such as jails.

Wolf argued that by limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, state and local leaders undermine public safety. “They don’t let ICE go into jail settings and pick up dangerous illegal aliens,” he said, adding that the policies create conditions where violence is more likely to occur.

He also noted that officials do not allow police departments to assist ICE when necessary, calling their recent comments on the incident “unhinged, unintelligent, and reckless.” Wolf urged both Frey and Walz to prioritize public safety over political optics: “Do your job, governor. Do your job, mayor. Allow ICE and cooperate with ICE.”

Wolf emphasized that video evidence shows Good made dangerous choices before the shooting occurred. He stated she ignored lawful directions from law enforcement and attempted to flee, even running close to an officer. “If you park your car in the middle of the street during an ICE operation, you’re going to have issues,” he said.

He rejected Mayor Frey’s claim that Good was simply trying to leave, arguing that refusing police orders escalates risks: “When you try to get away from law enforcement, that’s a problem. They’ve given you direction.”