Former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has issued a rare political statement in response to the fatal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, expressing sorrow, solidarity with peaceful demonstrators and a personal connection to the city where she recently worked.
Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026, during a confrontation that erupted amid a large federal immigration enforcement operation known as Operation Metro Surge. The shooting has sparked ongoing protests and national debate about immigration enforcement and use of force by federal agents.
DeGeneres’ message on ICE Shooting and Renee Good
On January 18, DeGeneres shared a video message to Instagram in which she addressed the violence and unrest in Minneapolis. She said she was deeply affected by what has happened in the city, noting that she filmed her 2024 Netflix stand-up special, For Your Approval, in Minneapolis, a place she described as “the happiest city in America.”
“I am so sorry for what is happening in Minneapolis and our country, really, but specifically Minneapolis right now,” DeGeneres said, adding that her thoughts and prayers were with peaceful protesters and anyone hurt just for protesting, which she viewed as a basic right. “I’m proud of everyone who’s protesting peacefully, and I am sorry for anyone who has been hurt just for protesting, for doing what you should be doing,” she continued.
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DeGeneres also reposted a tribute photo of Good shared by author Marianne Williamson, along with a heartfelt letter from Good’s wife, Becca Good. In the reposted caption, DeGeneres wrote “I’m so sad, and so angry, and so worried,” echoing emotions expressed by Good’s loved ones.
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Public reaction
DeGeneres’ comments have generated a mixed public response. Supporters applauded her for using her platform to draw attention to the violence in Minneapolis and to encourage peaceful protest. Others criticised her for focusing on this incident while responding to broader political debates about law enforcement, immigration enforcement and protest rights. Some online critics accused her of selective advocacy or of being out of touch with the nuances of the incident.
What happened to Renee Good
The shooting of Renee Good has become a flashpoint in national discussions about federal immigration policy and the use of force by ICE agents. Good was killed after an encounter with ICE agent Jonathan Ross while she was in her vehicle with her wife and dog shortly after dropping her child at school. Footage from the scene has been widely shared, and protests have taken place in Minneapolis and nationwide since the incident.
Civil rights advocates and Good’s family have called for accountability and transparency in the handling of the shooting, and demonstrations continue as supporters highlight concerns about law enforcement practices and immigrant community safety.
Several celebs have already spoken up against ICE. In fact, at the Golden Globe Award, celebs wore pins to remember Good. Mark Ruffalo, in fact, spoke at length and even condemned Donald Trump.
