Bellingham Protest Draws Hundreds to Downtown Bellingham After ICE Shooting in Minnesota (PNW Daily Staff)
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Bellingham on Saturday as protests unfolded across the United States following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good an ICE officer in Minneapolis.
“No ICE. No hate. No fascist U.S.A.,” demonstrators chanted after assembling around noon on Magnolia Street, where the crowd filled several blocks.
Soon after 1 p.m., the group split into two. Hundreds marched toward City Hall, located across from the federal courthouse, while others remained on Magnolia.
Along the route, protesters lined sidewalks and storefronts. Many walked down the center of the street. The march moved from Magnolia to Railroad Avenue, then down Holly Street before turning toward City Hall.
As a result, traffic slowed and briefly stopped during the impromptu procession.
Police cruisers arrived after the crowd gathered on the steps of City Hall. Officers reported no clashes, and the demonstration remained peaceful throughout the afternoon.
Demonstrations Reported Across the Country
The Bellingham rally formed part of a broader wave of demonstrations reported in cities and towns nationwide.
Notably, protests were not limited to major metropolitan areas. Smaller cities and regional communities also saw gatherings, including several locations across Washington state.
In Yakima, demonstrators held signs, chanted, and marched through parts of the city. Organizers there said they wanted to show solidarity with Minneapolis and call for accountability.
Meanwhile, additional protests were reported in college towns, rural communities, and border regions.
Border Protest Adds Regional Dimension
PNW Daily also covered a protest at the U.S.-Canada border, where demonstrators gathered to denounce federal immigration enforcement practices and demand greater transparency.
Several protestors expressed concern about increased enforcement activity near the customs office as they arrived.
Despite those concerns, the border protest remained peaceful.
What Sparked the Protests
The demonstrations followed the Jan. 7 shooting of Good, 37, during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
At the time, she was inside her vehicle when an ICE officer fired.
Federal officials said the agent acted in self-defense, arguing the vehicle posed a threat.
However, local leaders, witnesses, and civil rights organizations disputed that account. They have called for a transparent investigation and the release of all available footage.
Calls for Accountability Continue
Since then, the shooting has intensified a national debate over immigration enforcement, federal use-of-force policies, and oversight.
In response, some lawmakers have called for independent investigations and congressional review.
Meanwhile, federal officials have defended the operation, saying immigration enforcement remains necessary for public safety.
More demonstrations are likely in the coming days.
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