Cincinnati council unanimously denounces Minneapolis ICE shooting, urges federal agents to follow city policies

Cincinnati City Council on a unanimous vote adopted a resolution denouncing the Jan. 7, 2026 shooting of Renee Nicole Goode by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and urging federal agents operating in the city to comply with local policies requiring identification, body-worn cameras and other operational safeguards.

Council member Albee, who introduced the measure, framed it as both a condemnation of the Minneapolis incident and a local demand for transparency and accountability. "We do not want masked agents terrorizing our neighborhoods and pulling residents out of their cars," Albee said, urging that federal agents adhere to policies requiring clear identification and body cameras. Albee cited the video from Minneapolis and said the last recorded words from Renee Goode were, "that's fine, dude. I'm not mad at you," underscoring the council’s shock and outrage.

The resolution calls on federal law enforcement operating in Cincinnati to follow the city’s operational requirements and reiterates the city’s commitment to public-safety policies rooted in violence prevention, economic opportunity and constitutional policing. Vice mayor Kearney said the council "demands it" and urged legal resources for residents who may be affected; President Johnson, a former SWAT officer, described the Minneapolis actions as "the most unprofessional, tactical situation" he had witnessed and stressed the value of local law-enforcement partnerships that respect rules and training.

Council members repeatedly emphasized three expectations for outside federal agents: identify themselves, wear body cameras and avoid masking that prevents identification. Several council members said local law enforcement is not compelled to assist federal immigration enforcement and that CPD will respond to emergencies but should not be used to facilitate aggressive federal tactics.

After remarks from Albee and other council members, the clerk conducted a roll-call vote. The resolution carried unanimously: Council members Owens, Walsh, Albee, James, Jeffries, Johnson, Vice mayor Kearney and Nolan recorded "yes." The council said the resolution is a step and that additional measures could follow to protect immigrant communities and ensure local policy compliance.

The council provided resources for residents concerned about federal enforcement actions, including contact information for the Immigrant and Refugee Law Center, and urged community members to exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully. The measure passed on roll call; the council did not adopt subsequent implementing ordinances at the same meeting.