In Grand Junction, Colorado, a crowd gathered outside Congressman Jeff Hurd’s office on January 9, 2026, to hold a vigil for Renee Good, a 37-year-old Colorado native fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis. The event highlighted growing tensions over immigration enforcement, with participants demanding justice and policy changes amid nationwide protests following the incident.
Details of the Grand Junction Vigil
People from various walks of life came together in the cold evening air to remember Renee Good. Candles flickered as attendees shared stories and poems, reflecting on her life as a mother, poet, and community member.
Organizers set up a simple memorial with photos of Good and signs calling for accountability. The vigil lasted about two hours, drawing around 100 participants according to local estimates.
One attendee played guitar and led songs that Good reportedly loved, turning the gathering into a mix of mourning and peaceful protest. Local leaders spoke briefly, urging unity against what they see as overreach by federal agents.
Background on Renee Good and the Shooting
Renee Nicole Good, born in Colorado Springs, moved to Minneapolis where she built a life focused on family and creative pursuits. She was known for her poetry and singing, and friends described her as someone always ready to help neighbors.
The shooting happened on January 8, 2026, during an ICE operation in south Minneapolis. Officials claim Good interfered with agents, refused commands, and tried to use her vehicle against an officer, leading to the fatal shot in self-defense.
Video footage from the agent’s phone, released shortly after, shows parts of the encounter, including Good’s words moments before the incident. This has fueled debates, with some viewing it as evidence of excessive force.
Good leaves behind three children and a partner, and her death has sparked questions about ICE tactics in urban areas. Similar incidents in recent years, like a 2025 case in Portland where agents injured two people, add to concerns about escalating confrontations.
Community Reactions and Demands
Attendees at the vigil expressed deep frustration with ICE actions. Many felt the shooting represented broader issues in immigration policy under current federal leadership.
One participant shared how the event made her feel unsafe in her own community, echoing sentiments from Minneapolis where protests have continued since the shooting.
Calls for action included petitions to Congressman Hurd, asking him to support investigations and reforms. Some suggested limiting ICE operations in non-border states to prevent such tragedies.
- Justice for Renee: Demands for a full independent probe into the shooting.
- Policy overhaul: Push for stricter rules on agent use of force.
- Community safety: Requests for local oversight of federal operations.
These points capture the core messages from the vigil, as people seek real changes to protect citizens.
Official Statements and Investigations
Federal officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, defended the agent’s actions, stating Good had been obstructing operations all day. They emphasized that the shooting followed repeated warnings.
On the other side, Minnesota leaders have called for the state’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to join the FBI investigation, aiming for transparency.
Congressman Hurd’s office issued a statement acknowledging the vigil and expressing condolences, but stopped short of committing to specific actions. This has left some attendees disappointed, hoping for more engagement from elected representatives.
The investigation remains ongoing, with new video angles emerging that provide different views of the event. Experts suggest it could take weeks to reach conclusions, similar to past high-profile cases.
Nationwide Protests and Broader Impact
Protests have spread beyond Minnesota and Colorado, with demonstrations in cities like Portland, Denver, and New York since January 8, 2026. Thousands have marched, highlighting immigration enforcement as a flashpoint in national debates.
In Minneapolis, a large vigil turned into a rally, with speakers linking Good’s death to ongoing tensions from 2025 ICE operations that drew criticism for aggressive tactics.
This incident comes amid rising immigration numbers, with U.S. border encounters reaching over 2.5 million in fiscal year 2025, according to Customs and Border Protection data. Such statistics fuel both support for and opposition to stricter enforcement.
| Key Events Timeline | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ICE Operation Begins | January 8, 2026 | Agents conduct enforcement in south Minneapolis. |
| Shooting Occurs | January 8, 2026 | Renee Good is fatally shot after alleged confrontation. |
| Video Release | January 9, 2026 | Agent’s phone footage made public, sparking debates. |
| Grand Junction Vigil | January 9, 2026 | Crowd gathers outside Jeff Hurd’s office to honor Good. |
| Nationwide Protests | January 8-10, 2026 | Demonstrations in multiple cities demand accountability. |
This timeline shows how quickly the situation escalated, drawing attention from across the country.
Looking Ahead: Calls for Change
As investigations continue, advocates hope Good’s death will lead to meaningful reforms in how ICE operates. Discussions in Congress could focus on body camera mandates and de-escalation training for agents.
Experts point to successful community programs in states like California, where local-federal partnerships have reduced conflicts. Applying similar models nationwide might prevent future incidents.
The vigil in Grand Junction serves as a reminder of the human cost in these debates. Share your thoughts on this story in the comments below, and spread the word to keep the conversation going about justice and safety in our communities.
