Vigils Held for Renee Good, Shot by ICE Agent in Minnesota

Community members in the Bay Area gathered in Oakland and San Jose on March 15, 2024, to honor the memory of Renee Nicole Good, a woman from Minneapolis who was shot and killed by a federal immigration agent earlier that week. The vigils not only served as a remembrance of Good but also aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing issues surrounding federal immigration enforcement.

The events were organized by Faith in Action East Bay and highlighted the need for continued vigilance in documenting encounters with federal agents. During the Oakland gathering, Good’s name was read aloud alongside others identified as victims of federal enforcement actions. Alba Hernandez, an event organizer, emphasized the significance of community support, stating, “We want to make sure that the community knows that we’re with everyone. Not just Oakland, but with everyone in the country.”

The vigils took on heightened urgency following a series of violent incidents involving ICE agents across the United States. Local “Rapid Response” observers expressed their determination to monitor ICE activities, despite concerns for their safety. Joselin Barajas, a trainer for the Rapid Response Network, shared her perspective, stating, “Yes, there is fear, but one thing that we know is that fear is contagious and so is power. Taking power and taking action… even though I’m afraid for my family, what I try to do is spread the power to them so they shouldn’t hide.”

Barajas is among approximately 800 trained observers in Alameda County who document ICE operations. Her motivation is deeply personal, as she has family members who are undocumented. Despite the recent violence, she and other organizers remain committed to advocating for immigrant communities.

The death of Good has intensified the focus on safety protocols for those documenting ICE activities. Observers are encouraged to use their phones to document encounters while maintaining a safe distance from federal agents. Hernandez noted, “There’s no telling what they’ll do or what kind of tactics they will use, even against the community that they’re observing.”

As the community continues to mourn, organizers are determined to ensure that incidents like Good’s death do not go unnoticed. “Yeah, we could be at risk. That’s not a thought that’s going to stop me from doing the work that we’re doing,” Barajas declared. “We can’t hide in fear. When we come together like this and in unity, that’s what brings change.”

The vigils not only honor Good’s memory but also serve as a critical reminder of the need for community solidarity in the face of federal immigration enforcement. As the situation evolves, the voices of those advocating for immigrant rights remain resolute, focusing on both safety and the push for justice.