UPDATE: Two individuals have been shot by ICE officers in Portland, with the incident occurring on January 8, 2023, just confirmed by local officials. This shooting follows a recent fatality involving ICE in Minneapolis, escalating public unrest surrounding immigration enforcement across the United States.
The shooting took place near the junction of East Burnside and 141st Avenue on Thursday afternoon, as reported by Portland City Council members. Both victims are reported alive, but details on their conditions remain sparse.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is now leading an inquiry into this incident, which has sparked renewed protests in Portland and beyond. Demonstrators quickly gathered following the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman killed by an ICE officer days earlier. Good was shot while attempting to flee her vehicle during an immigration enforcement operation, prompting calls for public opposition to ICE’s activities.
Vice President JD Vance characterized Good’s death as “a tragedy of her own making,” asserting that video evidence shows she accelerated her vehicle towards the officer. During a press briefing, Vance stated, “What you see is what you get in this case,” implying that the officer’s actions were justified. However, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey challenged this narrative, describing claims of self-defense as “garbage,” and stating that footage undermines those assertions.
The political ramifications are palpable, with former President Donald Trump supporting the aggressive tactics of federal law enforcement in Democrat-led cities. Trump has described Good’s actions as “vicious,” and has mobilized federal personnel and National Guard troops to address crime and immigration issues nationwide.
In the wake of these incidents, protests have erupted, fueled by a sense of urgency and anger over immigration policies. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, attributed Good’s death to “a large, sinister left-wing movement,” reinforcing the administration’s tough stance on crime and immigration enforcement.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on the FBI’s investigation and the ongoing protests. Activists are calling for a reevaluation of ICE’s practices, while officials defend their actions in the name of law enforcement. The coming days will be critical as communities assess the implications of these shootings and the broader national conversation surrounding immigration enforcement.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
