Melrose Community Holds Vigil For ICE Shooting Victim

MELROSE, MA — Nearly 150 community members gathered outside City Hall Thursday night for a vigil in honor of the woman who was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer this week in Minnesota.

Renee Nicole Good, 37, was reportedly partially blocking a street where ICE operations were being conducted. ICE agents approached her vehicle and attempted to open the driver’s side door. Good then put the car in reverse then forward to reportedly turn and drive away from the officers, however Officer Jonathan Ross fired three shots through the windshield, one of which struck Good in the head.

Melrose resident Jane Roper has been a part of Mobilize Melrose for nearly a decade, and was one of the driving forces behind the organization’s latest event.

“It’s just tragic that someone who was clearly not trying to cause harm was treated in this way,” Roper told Patch. “Over and over again we see ICE using unnecessary force and antagonizing protestors.

Roper said she believes the behavior of ICE officers can be attributed to a lack of training and a lack of empathy and humanity.

“I think that attitude is being fostered from the top down,” Roper said.

Roper described the crowd as a diverse group of people who brought candles and signs to show support and respect for the deceased woman.

“I think a lot of people need an outlet for their anger and grief,” Roper told Patch. “This was a chance for people to be together, and that was powerful.”

Notable attendees included Melrose-based State Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Malden City Councilor Karen Colón Hayes. During the vigil, Colón Hayes read the names of all people who have died due to ICE interactions whether in detainment, in custody, or being shot at.

“ It hits closer to home for a lot of white folks when they see someone who looks like them,” Roper told Patch. “Whatever gets people activated and involved is a good thing.”

Roper has been a Melrose resident for 12 years and has been involved with Mobilize Melrose since its inception. The group first took action in 2016 in response to the first administration of President Donald Trump and has since increased activity since Trump’s second term began.

“It’s very grassroots and volunteer driven,” Roper said. “We try to keep it as a place for sharing actions, not for debate and argument.”

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