On Wednesday, Renee Good, a Minnesota mother, was shot and killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. Our hearts are with her family, loved ones, and community as they grieve this devastating loss. This tragedy has shaken our state and weighs heavily on communities across Minnesota and the country.

Ms. Good was a peaceful witness to federal presence in Minneapolis. While Americans may hold differing views on immigration policy, the violence we have witnessed against her and against immigrants and their allies in our communities is unacceptable—full stop.

Sadly, these federal mobilizations are heightening tensions and increasing the risk of harm—not only to targeted communities, but to the health of our democracy itself.

This is neither normal nor acceptable.

The right to peacefully protest, observe, and speak out without fear of violent government reprisal is a core constitutional freedom. Government officials—at every level—have a duty to uphold the law and protect the safety and rights of the people. We reject any attempt to use this tragedy to further erode civil liberties or justify additional crackdowns that would only deepen division and risk further violence.

FairVote Minnesota’s mission is to advocate for a healthier more representative democracy. At this moment, our commitment is to remain peaceful, grounded, and resolute in protecting our democratic freedoms. Democracy depends on participation, care for one another, and collective resolve—not fear.

How you can help:

Attend a peaceful vigil or gathering in your community to stand in solidarity with Minnesotans, remaining calm and nonviolent in the face of any provocation.
Support local organizers who are preparing demonstrations with de-escalation and safety in mind; share and use de-escalation resources.
Call for a fully independent, transparent investigation that includes state investigators, with preservation and public release of all available video and evidence.
Encourage your local and state leaders to speak out in support of the Minneapolis community and democratic norms.
Speak with your friends about your bedrock commitment to democracy and the Constitution.
Share information only from verified, reliable sources and avoid amplifying unconfirmed claims.

FairVote Minnesota will continue to stand with communities under threat and to defend the democratic freedoms that make accountability, justice, and peaceful change possible. We will share more information soon about our response and ways to engage constructively in the days ahead.

Our democracy is strongest when we refuse fear, reject violence, and stand together.

— FairVote Minnesota