Soren Stevenson had just begun his role as a Minneapolis city council member when tragedy struck. On his third day, Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent near his district. The event shocked the community.
Sitting in Plaza Mexico, a usually bustling mall filled with Latino businesses, Stevenson noticed the eerie quiet. “It’s almost empty,” he remarked, expressing concern over the fear gripping the neighborhood. Many shop owners had closed their doors, worried about their safety.
His district includes George Floyd Square, a significant site of racial justice protests following Floyd’s death in 2020. Stevenson himself participated in those protests and bore the scars of brutality when he was shot in the face by a rubber bullet, losing his left eye. His subsequent lawsuit against the city was settled for $2.4 million.
Reflecting on Good’s death, he said, “It brings back a lot from 2020.” He noticed that the community felt uneasy, with helicopters flying overhead and familiar fears resurfacing. But there’s also a sense of unity. People are coming together, providing help to their neighbors. Stevenson called this spirit “our immune system.”
As a city council member, Stevenson is determined to stand up against ICE. He receives calls and emails from constituents who want change, mirroring Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s strong stance that ICE should leave the city. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, nearly 70% of Latinos in the U.S. feel vulnerable amid increased immigration enforcement.
After the shooting, Trump’s FBI took over the investigation. Local officials have requested access to case files to conduct their own inquiries. Stevenson emphasizes that the local community has more at stake than federal agents who see the situation from afar.
Despite the chaos around him, Stevenson feels a responsibility to listen and act. However, it’s unclear what specific action to take against a federal entity like ICE.
He walked from Plaza Mexico to the shooting site, noting the community’s response. Makeshift barricades were set up, and local residents gathered to provide food and warmth. A vigil for Good created a poignant atmosphere, reminiscent of the protests at George Floyd Square.
Thousands attended a vigil for Good, showcasing the community’s pain and defiance against ICE’s heavy presence. Stevenson emphasized the resilience of the community, saying, “We’re not gonna go quietly. I like that about us.”
This incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles related to immigration enforcement and community safety. As cities grapple with these complex issues, local voices like Stevenson’s highlight the importance of solidarity and the fight for justice.
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