Fox Valley activists came together for a rally Saturday in South Elgin in the wake of the recent death of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot and killed in her car by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis.
A press release from We Can Lead Change-Fox Valley, a local activist group, said that the rally was part of a national effort called ICE Out For Good Weekend of Action “to demand accountability, honor the life lost and make visible the human cost of ICE’s actions.”
Federal officials have said the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent acted in self-defense.
The local 90-minute rally began at noon and was held at the intersection of Randall Road and Silver Glen Crossing Mall.
The We Can Lead Change-Fox Valley group has been active for months mobilizing over issues including immigration as well as against many of the policies of the current U.S. administration.
St. Charles resident Miki Powell, a member of the group, said the Saturday rally was a lot “more raw for people.”
“A lot of our other rallies in general have been against the administration and their actions but this is specific to the fact that – you can’t have our federal government attacking and killing our fellow citizens,” Powell said. “This is widespread and I’m not surprised. The anger is palpable. People need something to do to feel like we are doing something together.”
A mix of snow showers with sun and then clouds covered the hundreds of protestors that took part in the rally.
At the event, Linda Robertson, of St. Charles, said it is an emotional time right now.
“To be honest about it, my heart’s broken by this shooting of Renee Good,” Robertson said. “Families are getting disrupted, and it’s obvious she wasn’t a terrorist. I think what’s frustrating people is a lack of clear, honest answers.”
Protestors line the sidewalk along Randall Road in South Elgin on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, during a rally in response to the recent death of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. (David Sharos/For The Beacon-News)
Chris Thomas of Elgin described the recent events in Minnesota as “one more nail in the coffin of freedom and democracy.”
“I’m so glad it was on video from multiple angles because there’s no hiding what really happened,” Thomas said.
Thomas said rallies like the one on Saturday are important.
“I want my grandchildren to be able to grow up the way I did and right now, I’m scared at what’s happening in this country,” Thomas said.
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
