California Assembly Speaker Remembers Renee Nicole Goode

In a poignant start to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s final State of the Union address, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas called for a “moment of silence” in remembrance of Renee Nicole Goode, who was shot dead by ICE agents in Minnesota.

The Department of Homeland Security informed the Daily Caller that the incident began when Goode allegedly attempted to run over a law enforcement officer in Minneapolis. Rivas requested lawmakers take a moment to honor Goode just before Newsom’s speech.

“Before we begin today’s proceedings, let’s take a moment of silence for Renee Nicole Goode, a U.S. citizen murdered by ICE in Minneapolis yesterday,” Rivas stated. He also mentioned the struggles faced by countless immigrants who are detained and denied due process. “America is a nation of immigrants. Without the rule of law, we are nothing. Let’s remember Renee and others suffering during these challenging times,” he added.

As silence enveloped the room and many bowed their heads, Rivas expressed his gratitude and proceeded with the agenda.

Goode, 37, was shot while sitting in his car during a chaotic scene involving protesters and ICE officers. At the time, he was blocking a roadway and reportedly accelerated when ordered out of the vehicle.

In the aftermath, Democrats both in the state and nationwide condemned ICE’s actions. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey explicitly expressed his disdain for ICE’s presence in his city. Other Democrats voiced that the incident highlighted broader issues regarding the use of force by ICE agents.

Meanwhile, Vice President J.D. Vance held a press conference defending the actions of the officers, asserting that many outlets mischaracterized the event, portraying Goode as merely a peaceful protester.

Protests have persisted since the shooting, and tensions remain high in Minneapolis, with expectations for an increase in unrest in other Democratic-led cities, including Los Angeles, over the weekend.