Since the spring of 2025, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has made its presence highly visible across the United States. ICE acts as almost another form of police; they are supposed to protect people, but recently, they have done anything but that. As of recent, ICE has been criticized for going for children, going into people’s houses without a warrant signed by a judge, and dehumanizing people by holding them in cruel conditions using detention centers, resulting in injuries and fatalities. In recent news, there have been multiple cases of ICE using more than just brute force, drawing guns on innocent people, and even law enforcement
In January 2026, a woman named Renée Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota. ICE said she was a threat, but videos from witnesses show she was trying to drive away when she was shot. Many people say the shooting was unnecessary and could have been avoided.
The mayor of Minneapolis spoke out against ICE, saying the agency lied about what happened and made the city less safe. Police experts also said the agent did not follow proper rules for using force.
This shooting caused protests across the country and led to calls for a full investigation.
This is not the first time ICE has been involved in deadly situations. ICE agents have been connected to other shootings in recent years. Critics say ICE officers often act like military forces instead of law enforcement, meant to protect people.
ICE has also been criticized for raiding homes and workplaces, often without clear warning, separating families, including children from parents, holding people in detention centers with poor conditions, and deaths in custody, because of a lack of medical care
Human rights groups say ICE does not face enough punishment when something happens goes wrong.
Many immigrant families say ICE creates fear. People are afraid to go to work, school, or even call the police because they worry ICE might get involved. This fear hurts communities and makes people less safe.
After the Minneapolis shooting, lawmakers and activists are asking for More rules on ICE’s use of force, independent investigations, more transparency, and less aggressive enforcement.
On Wednesday, January 21st, the students here at Thomas Worthington participated in a student led walk out against ICE.
Senior Alex Ondo attended the protest and shared his thoughts on the event.
“There was a lot of student support. I was happy that the community was brought together,” Said Ondo.
Ondo was representing flock talk at the protest, and he was in charge of reporting it for his communications and technology class. He was there from 3rd period to 5th period.
The walkout at Thomas Worthington was not just about one incident, but about a growing concern among students regarding ICE’s actions nationwide. For many, the protest served as a response to what they see as a pattern of behavior that has left communities feeling fearful and unheard.
Overall, the recent events involving ICE have sparked strong emotions and serious conversations across the country, including within our own school.
The debate over ICE continues, but many believe the agency needs serious reform to protect lives and human rights.
In Columbus, Ohio, people have also been talking about these issues. After the shooting in Minneapolis, some community members held small protests and meetings to discuss ICE and safety. Local groups helped share information about people’s rights and offered support to immigrant families. Some residents said they noticed more ICE activity in the area, which made people feel nervous about going to work, school, or being in public. This shows that fear and concern about ICE are present in Columbus, too, not just in other cities. Students nationwide are beginning to recognize the power of their voices and the importance of standing up for what they believe is right. The walkout demonstrated that young people are paying attention and are willing to take action when they feel justice is needed.
If you’re interested in more, check out this video from Tyler Jackson.
