Beaufort, South Carolina, January 15, 2026
More than 350 individuals gathered in Beaufort, South Carolina, to protest the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. The “ICE Out For Good” demonstration sparked national outcry and calls for accountability from Good’s family, who are pursuing legal action. The incident has reignited the debate over immigration enforcement policies amid increasing scrutiny on ICE operations. Local leaders, including Senator Cory Booker, also addressed healthcare issues during their visit to the area.
Beaufort, South Carolina
More than 350 individuals gathered in Beaufort, South Carolina, on January 14, 2026, to protest the killing of 37-year-old Renee Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The demonstration, termed the “ICE Out For Good” protest, highlighted concerns over the incident and broader immigration enforcement policies.
National Outcry Follows Minneapolis Shooting
The protest in Beaufort comes a week after Renee Good was fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. Good, an American citizen, was in her vehicle when agents approached during an ICE operation. Agent Ross reportedly moved to the front-left of Good’s vehicle as she briefly reversed and then began driving into the direction of traffic, turning away from him. Ross then fired three shots, one through the windshield and two through the open driver’s side window, resulting in her death.
Accounts of the shooting have been widely contested. Federal law enforcement officials and President Donald Trump defended the agent’s actions, stating that Ross acted in self-defense and that Good ran him over. This narrative has been challenged by eyewitnesses, journalists, and Democratic Party lawmakers, with some calling for a criminal investigation into the incident. Videos of the encounter have circulated widely, contributing to the national debate.
Renee Good was identified as a writer and poet who resided in Minneapolis with her wife and six-year-old child. Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, she held a degree in English. Good’s family, including her partner, parents, and four siblings, have retained the legal services of Romanucci & Blandin, the same firm that represented George Floyd’s family, to investigate the shooting. The family expressed their desire for answers regarding the federal operation, the officers’ actions, and reported delays in medical aid. They have accused federal immigration officers of killing Good as she attempted to follow agents’ instructions and are pressing for accountability.
In response to the tragedy, the Mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have called for ICE to cease operations in the city. The shooting has sparked widespread protests and vigils across the nation.
Senator Cory Booker Visits Beaufort Amidst Local Developments
Separately, on January 14, 2026, Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, visited Beaufort as part of the South Carolina Democratic Party’s “On the Road With Senator Cory Booker” tour. During his visit, Senator Booker discussed the challenges facing working Americans, with a particular focus on the rising costs of healthcare. He is scheduled to return to Beaufort on Sunday, January 18, to continue his engagements with South Carolinians.
Local Context: Beaufort County’s Stance on Immigration Enforcement
The recent “ICE Out For Good” protest in Beaufort is not an isolated event concerning immigration enforcement in the area. In July 2025, over 100 residents in Beaufort County, South Carolina, protested against a proposal to introduce a local immigration task force within the county. The initiative sought to re-enroll the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office in the 287(g) program, a federal partnership that would authorize local deputies to enforce immigration laws.
Community members expressed significant concerns that the program would disproportionately target people of color, increase mistrust within the community, and lead to racial profiling and civil rights infringements. Sheriff PJ Tanner stated that the program was intended to focus on undocumented individuals who commit crimes and would involve only one trained immigration deputy. However, opponents argued that such a program could deter victims from reporting crimes due to fear of immigration consequences and that it diverted resources from local policing needs.
Beaufort Eyed for New U.S. Coast Guard Training Base
In other significant news for the region, prominent South Carolina lawmakers are advocating for Beaufort to host the new U.S. Coast Guard training base. On January 14, 2026, Senator Tim Scott and Representative Joe Wilson, both Republicans, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security urging them to select Beaufort as the site. They highlighted Beaufort’s established record as a reliable and mission-ready military community, noting its existing military installations such as Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. The U.S. Coast Guard initiated a request for information late last year to identify potential locations for the new facility, and Beaufort is currently on a shortlist of several sites nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the “ICE Out For Good” protest in Beaufort, South Carolina, about?
The “ICE Out For Good” protest in Beaufort, South Carolina, on January 14, 2026, was a demonstration by more than 350 individuals against the killing of 37-year-old Renee Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Who was Renee Good and what happened to her?
Renee Good was a 37-year-old American citizen, writer, and poet from Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was fatally shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026, during an ICE operation.
What is the current status of the investigation into Renee Good’s death?
Federal officials have defended the ICE agent’s actions, citing self-defense, but this account has been disputed by eyewitnesses and lawmakers. Renee Good’s family has hired a law firm to investigate the incident further. The Justice Department sees no basis to open a federal civil rights investigation, but an FBI probe is ongoing.
When did Senator Cory Booker visit Beaufort, South Carolina, and why?
Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey visited Beaufort, South Carolina, on January 14, 2026. His visit was part of the South Carolina Democratic Party’s “On the Road With Senator Cory Booker” tour, where he discussed challenges facing working Americans, particularly healthcare costs. He is also scheduled to return on January 18, 2026.
What is the 287(g) program and why was it a point of contention in Beaufort County?
The 287(g) program is a federal partnership that would authorize local deputies to enforce immigration laws. In July 2025, over 100 residents in Beaufort County protested against the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office’s proposal to re-enroll in this program due to concerns about racial profiling, civil rights infringements, and increased community mistrust.
Are there any plans for a new U.S. Coast Guard base in Beaufort, South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina lawmakers Senator Tim Scott and Representative Joe Wilson urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on January 14, 2026, to choose Beaufort as the site for a new U.S. Coast Guard training base. Beaufort is currently on a shortlist of potential locations.
Key Features of Recent Beaufort, SC Events
| Event | Date | Location | Key Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| “ICE Out For Good” Protest | January 14, 2026 | Beaufort, South Carolina | More than 350 people protested the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent. | Local |
| Killing of Renee Good | January 7, 2026 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | 37-year-old American citizen fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during an operation; family pursuing legal action. | Nationwide |
| Senator Cory Booker’s Visit | January 14, 2026 | Beaufort, South Carolina | Part of the South Carolina Democratic Party tour, focusing on challenges facing working Americans and healthcare costs. Scheduled to return January 18, 2026. | State-level / Local |
| U.S. Coast Guard Training Base Proposal | January 14, 2026 | Beaufort, South Carolina | South Carolina lawmakers advocated for Beaufort as the site for a new U.S. Coast Guard training base. | State-level / Local |
| Beaufort County 287(g) Program Protests | July 2025 | Beaufort County, South Carolina | Over 100 residents protested Sheriff’s plan to re-enroll in a federal program allowing local deputies to enforce immigration laws. | Local |
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Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
