> At a Glance
> – 700 people peacefully rallied and marched in downtown Fort Worth Saturday
> – Protests erupted nationwide after ICE officer shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis
> – Demonstrators demand abolish ICE and end increased deportations under Trump
> – Why it matters: Local voices challenge federal immigration tactics and police use-of-force
Demonstrators across the country took to the streets over the weekend to protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies, galvanized by the fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis. In Fort Worth, an estimated 700 people gathered downtown Saturday for a peaceful rally and march, while a smaller protest formed in Southlake’s Town Square.
Local Voices Rise
Protesters held signs calling to abolish ICE and to honor the life of Renee Good, the woman killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.
Dr. Michael Bell, senior pastor at Greater St. Stephen First Church, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with other Fort Worth clergy.
> “We have to raise our voices, we can’t be silent. This is about bringing us together and pushing back against the divisiveness.”
Attendees carried signs bearing Good’s photo and called for an end to increased deportations.
Kathy Johnson, a Fort Worth resident, invoked her father’s World War II service:
> “Those people didn’t fight for what is going on here. They fought against this kind of stuff, and I don’t want it. It doesn’t feel like where I want to live.”
Federal Response
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement Saturday defending ICE officers and their use of force.
> “ICE officers are facing a nearly 1,300% increase in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists and gang members.”
> “The First Amendment protects speech and peaceful assembly – not rioting, assault and destruction. DHS is taking measures to uphold the rule of law and protect public safety and our officers.”
Ongoing Investigation
- Wednesday’s shooting: ICE officer Jonathan Ross shot Good as she fled during a confrontation
- Federal claim: Ross acted in self-defense, according to Trump administration officials
- Disputed account: Minnesota officials and eyewitnesses contradict the federal version
- Case status: Under active investigation; no charges announced
Call to Vote
Emily Carlos, an Arlington resident, summed up the protest’s political goal:
> “I think it’s very important to get people to vote because that’s the only way we are going to make change – and showing up like this, and showing people in power that we are not okay with this.”
Key Takeaways
- Fort Worth police reported zero disturbances or arrests during Saturday’s demonstration
- The Minneapolis shooting has become a rallying point for immigration activists
- Local clergy joined protesters to demand systemic change
- Federal officials frame ICE agents as under siege while critics demand accountability
As investigations continue, North Texans vow to keep pressuring leaders over immigration enforcement tactics.
