Premier Wab Kinew has expressed solidarity with residents of Minnesota following the tragic killing of a woman by a U.S. immigration officer in Minneapolis. The incident, which led to protests, involved the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.
Kinew reached out to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan to offer support from Manitoba and convey a message of unity. He emphasized the importance of standing by American neighbors during this challenging time and called for an end to the violence.
Video footage of the shooting contradicted claims made by U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance, who alleged that Good had attempted to hit the officer with her vehicle. The incident sparked ongoing protests, prompting Governor Walz to declare a “day of unity” in an effort to calm tensions.
In a separate development, Kinew referenced remarks made by former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura, who likened the current political situation in the U.S. to that of a “third-world country.” Ventura drew parallels between the state of affairs under Trump and the military dictatorship he witnessed during his time in the Philippines.
Kinew echoed Ventura’s concerns and urged Manitobans to support their American friends and family during this tumultuous period. He stressed the importance of maintaining a sense of community and solidarity across borders.
Additionally, Kinew addressed an internal matter within Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative Party, where a board member’s supportive comments regarding ICE sparked controversy. Party Leader Obby Khan distanced the party from these remarks and announced the suspension of the board member in question.