The Anti-ICE Protest in Hastings: Barry County's Rally for Renee Good and Immigration Reform

Anti-ICE protest in Hastings

On January 11, 2026, the streets of Hastings, Michigan (the county seat of Barry County) became the site of a passionate vigil and rally against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Organized by local groups including MI Barry County Indivisible, the event drew residents to mourn the death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 2, 2026, during an arrest attempt. This demonstration has sparked significant local conversation on social media, with posts on platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) highlighting community outrage, calls for accountability, and broader debates on immigration enforcement. In a county of 64,000 residents known for its rural charm, manufacturing base, and tight-knit towns like Hastings, Nashville, and Middleville, the rally represents a rare flashpoint of activism, reflecting national tensions filtering into local life.

Background on the Incident: What Happened to Renee Good?

The shooting of Renee Nicole Good has become a focal point for criticism of ICE's tactics. According to reports from the Minneapolis Police Department and ICE statements, during the encounter, Good allegedly drove toward the agents, prompting one to fire shots that struck her. She was pronounced dead at the scene despite immediate medical aid. The agent involved has been placed on administrative leave, and the incident is under investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), with body camera footage expected to be reviewed. ICE maintains the action was in self-defense, but critics, including Good's family and advocacy groups, argue it exemplifies over-aggressive policing in immigration operations.

The Local Response: Hastings Rally Draws Crowds and Conversations

The rally in Hastings, held at a central location like the downtown courthouse square, was peaceful and focused on remembrance and reform. Participants held signs reading "No More Deaths by ICE" and "Justice for Renee," chanting for transparency and an end to aggressive tactics. Organizers from MI Barry County Indivisible framed the event as a call for unity against what they see as excessive force, emphasizing Good's Michigan roots to localize the protest. Attendance estimates from local coverage suggest 50-100 people, a notable turnout for a small rural county where activism is infrequent.

Social media buzz has been significant, with hashtags like #JusticeForRenee and #AbolishICE gaining traction on local Facebook groups. X posts from West Michigan accounts highlight the vigil's emotional tone, with one viral thread from a local news outlet garnering 479 views and discussions on community reactions. Comments range from support for law enforcement ("ICE keeps us safe") to calls for reform ("This could happen to anyone"), showing a divided but engaged audience. In Barry County, where the population is predominantly white (92%) and conservative-leaning, the protest has sparked nuanced debates—some residents sympathize with Good's family, while others defend ICE's role in border security.

From multiple angles, this event underscores Barry County's evolving social landscape. Economically, the county's reliance on manufacturing and agriculture (employing thousands) includes immigrant labor, making immigration a sensitive topic. Politically, as a swing area in Michigan elections, rallies like this could influence local discourse on federal policies. Nuances include the protest's peaceful nature—no arrests or violence reported—contrasting with national narratives of chaotic demonstrations. Edge cases: Some participants noted concerns for undocumented neighbors in rural townships like Yankee Springs or Irving, where enforcement actions could disrupt families.

Perspectives from Stakeholders: Voices from Barry County and Beyond

Local leaders have responded cautiously. The Barry County Sheriff's Office monitored the event but reported no issues, emphasizing community safety. Hastings Mayor David Tossava has not publicly commented, but city council meetings (next on January 26) may address it. Advocacy groups like MI Barry County Indivisible highlight systemic problems, citing ICE's history of controversial arrests in Michigan (e.g., over 1,000 detentions in 2025). Good's family, through statements, called for justice and reform, noting her non-violent background.

On social media, reactions vary: Supporters praise the rally for raising awareness, with posts like "Barry County stands for humanity" gaining likes and shares. Critics argue it's politicizing a tragedy, with comments defending ICE's actions as self-defense. Implications: This could galvanize local activism, potentially leading to more events or petitions for policy changes, like body cam mandates. For Barry County, where poverty is low (8%) but rural isolation high, such discussions foster empathy but also tension in diverse workplaces.

Broader Implications and How to Get Involved

The rally's talkability raises questions about immigration enforcement's impact on communities like ours, where agriculture relies on seasonal workers.

If you're moved to action, attend similar vigils or contact representatives. For support, visit www.aclumich.org for Michigan ACLU resources on immigration rights. Barry County Connects is here to keep you updated—check our Events and Community Services directories for more. What are your thoughts on this rally? Share in the comments or on Facebook—let's discuss respectfully.