NHCSL Demands Accountability and State Law Enforcement Access in Light of Today’s Announcement of Further Escalation of Federal Deployment, Following ICE Shooting in Minneapolis and CBP Shooting in Portland

WASHINGTON, DC — In response to today’s announcement by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem that hundreds more federal agents are being deployed to Minnesota, following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in South Minneapolis by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on January 7, 2026, and the shooting and abandonment by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of a husband and wife in Portland, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) issued the following statement:

“The continued and regular use of lethal force by ICE and CBP agents across our states and cities is deeply alarming, and this pattern of violence reached a devastating and unacceptable peak with the preventable death of Renee Nicole Good, an unarmed 37-year old mother. Video evidence makes clear that Ms. Good posed no life-threatening danger, rendering her death needless, contrary to policy, and potentially criminal.

“Today’s announcement by DHS Secretary Noem that hundreds of additional federal agents will be sent into Minnesota—without transparency, accountability, or meaningful coordination with state and local authorities—only heightens our concern. Rather than improving public safety, the expanded and rapid deployment of ICE, CBP, and specialized units such as BORTAC has coincided with rising fear, violence, and chaos in our communities. These actions are not narrowly focused on serious criminal activity; instead, they rely on racial profiling, indiscriminate detentions, excessive force, and intimidation that endanger innocent people.

“This crisis is especially urgent for NHCSL and Hispanics across the Nation. Hispanic communities are disproportionately targeted by federal immigration enforcement, often based on appearance, language, or neighborhood. Our families live at the intersection of immigration policy and over-policing, where routine daily activities—going to work, taking children to school, or seeking help—can become life-threatening encounters. When federal agents operate with impunity, it is our constituents who pay the highest price.

“We stand in solidarity with migrant communities and all residents living under constant uncertainty and fear. We also stand with neighbors who have lawfully stepped forward to observe, protest, and protect one another in ways that uphold the Constitution and our shared values. The administration’s reckless branding of these constitutional acts as ‘domestic terrorism’ only fuels further violence, division, hatred, and fear.

“NHCSL demands accountability through a swift, transparent, and independent investigation that includes all appropriate state and local authorities, including the Minneapolis Police Department and other state officials who have the constitutional right, duty, and jurisdiction to investigate crimes committed within their states. Federal agents are not above the law. We also urge Congress to take immediate action to hold ICE, CBP, and the Department of Homeland Security accountable and to enact meaningful reforms to prevent further loss of life.

“Additionally, we call on states to enact stronger policy safeguards, including requiring judicial warrants for enforcement actions, prohibiting the use of face coverings by enforcement officers, and mandating clear and visible identification at all times.

“NHCSL will continue to stand for the Constitution and for the civil and human rights that have long defined the promise of the United States. Our communities deserve safety, dignity, and justice—not fear enforced at gunpoint.

“Our hearts are with Renee’s children and family, her community, and the cities of Minneapolis, Portland, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, and countless others that have been repeatedly traumatized for months by DHS, ICE, and CBP operations.”

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The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country. NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 470 Hispanic legislators. For more information visit www.nhcsl.org.