Columbus Prepares for Larger Weekend Anti‑ICE Demonstrations Following Minneapolis Shooting
Updated (2 articles)
Minneapolis ICE Shooting Triggers Immediate Columbus Mobilization An ICE agent fatally shot 37‑year‑old Renee Nicole Good during a federal operation in Minneapolis, a killing the Department of Homeland Security later described as self‑defense, a characterization rejected by protestors [1][2]. Within hours, more than 150 demonstrators gathered outside the Ohio Statehouse and held a candlelight vigil at City Hall, chanting “O‑H… ICE out” and honoring Good’s name [2]. A lone counter‑protester was escorted away by police, underscoring the tense atmosphere [2].
Protest Coalitions Unite Around Demand for ICE Withdrawal Local groups including ICE Out of Columbus, the Party for Socialism and Liberation Columbus, the Columbus Liberation Center, Columbus 50501, 614 ICE Watch, and the Community Response Hub coordinated the emergency actions, emphasizing rapid organization after the shooting [2]. Demonstrators linked the incident to Operation Buckeye, a recent ICE enforcement surge in central Ohio, and pledged to keep mobilizing until ICE leaves the city [2][1]. Speakers framed the protests as both a memorial and a broader campaign against immigration enforcement tactics [2].
City Officials Promise Protective Oversight While Supporting Demonstrators Mayor Andrew Ginther announced that the Police Division’s Dialogue Team will remain on‑site to prioritize communication and de‑escalation, reiterating that local police do not conduct immigration enforcement [1]. U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty expressed solidarity but noted possible scheduling conflicts, while City Attorney Zach Klein and Council President Shannon Hardin also voiced support for the movement [1]. Officials stressed their role is to protect residents and property while safeguarding First Amendment rights [1].
Organizers Anticipate Larger Turnout for Saturday’s Demonstration Volunteers at the Columbus Liberation Center spent Thursday stapling signs and taping posters, preparing for a larger Saturday protest that organizers hope will build on Thursday’s turnout of roughly 1,000 participants [1]. They are coordinating education on rights and safety, urging city leaders to attend in person to demonstrate care for constituents [1]. The coalition pledged continued street actions to reassure residents who feel fearful, reinforcing a sustained presence in the community [1].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
WBNS (Columbus, OH): Columbus braces for weekend anti-ICE protests after Minneapolis shooting – Details organizers’ expectations for a bigger Saturday rally, the Minneapolis shooting’s role as a catalyst, and city officials’ commitment to safe, rights‑focused policing .
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[2]
WBNS (Columbus, OH): More than 150 rally in Columbus protesting ICE after Minneapolis agent fatally shot woman – Describes the immediate emergency protest and vigil, the coalition of local groups, the connection to Operation Buckeye, and vows for ongoing demonstrations .
Timeline
Early Jan 2026 – An ICE agent fatally shoots 37‑year‑old Renee Nicole Good during a federal operation in Minneapolis, sparking nationwide outrage and prompting activists to demand ICE’s removal from local communities. The shooting becomes the immediate catalyst for protests in Columbus, where organizers link the incident to broader concerns about immigration enforcement. [1][2]
Jan 8, 2026 – More than 150 demonstrators gather outside the Ohio Statehouse and hold a candlelight vigil at City Hall, chanting “O‑H… ICE out” and honoring Good. The emergency protest, organized by ICE Out of Columbus, the Party for Socialism and Liberation Columbus, the Columbus Liberation Center, Columbus 50501, 614 ICE Watch and the Community Response Hub, follows weeks of heightened ICE activity in central Ohio known as Operation Buckeye. Speakers pledge to “keep mobilizing” until ICE leaves the community, signaling a sustained street campaign. [2]
Jan 10, 2026 – Protest organizers prepare for a larger Saturday demonstration, with volunteers stapling signs at the Columbus Liberation Center and expecting turnout to exceed the previous night’s crowd. Mayor Andrew Ginther announces that the Police Division’s Dialogue Team will remain on‑site to emphasize communication and de‑escalation, while U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, despite scheduling conflicts, affirms her support and urges “visible leadership matters.” Organizers call on city officials to attend in person to show care for constituents and reassure fearful residents that they are not alone. [1]