Actor Matt Damon has publicly condemned ICE following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a Minnesota mother of three, by an ICE official on January 7th. The incident sparked widespread protests across the United States last weekend, as citizens voiced their outrage over ICE’s actions.
Renee Good’s Death Triggers Nationwide Demonstrations
Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minnesota earlier this month, prompting grief and anger nationwide. Numerous demonstrations took place in response to her death, emphasizing growing frustration with ICE’s tactics. The protests attracted attention not only from communities across the country but also from prominent figures in the entertainment industry.
Hollywood’s Response Highlights Support for Victims
On January 11th at the Golden Globes, well-known actors including Mark Ruffalo, Jean Smart, Wanda Sykes, and Natasha Lyonne showed solidarity by wearing “Be Good” badges in honor of Good. Similarly, Damon wore the same badge during the January 13th premiere of his new film The Rip in New York City, using the occasion to raise awareness about ICE’s conduct.
Speaking with USA Today, Damon expressed his concerns about the present political climate and the violence occurring in American cities. He stated,
I think like millions of people around the country, we’re really concerned with what’s going on.
He added,
And I think it’s about raising awareness about what’s happening in our cities and on our streets and hopefully will promote a larger discussion about this.
Other Celebrities Join the Call Against ICE
Mark Ruffalo also spoke out at the Golden Globes, reflecting on the fear experienced by many Americans. He remarked,
This is for the people in the United States who are terrorised and scared today. I know I’m one of them. I love this country, and what I’m seeing here happening is not America.
Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus shared images on Instagram from a protest march held in New York City on January 11th, including a photo showing her holding a sign that read “Renee Good – ICE Bad.”
Meanwhile, singer Billie Eilish condemned the killing by reposting an Instagram Story labeling ICE as a terrorist group. Her strong stance drew criticism from Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who publicly challenged Eilish’s remarks.
Details About Damon’s New Film and Its Broader Relevance
Damon’s film The Rip, co-starring longtime collaborator Ben Affleck and Golden Globe winner Teyana Taylor, is set for release on Netflix on January 16th. Damon’s visible protest at the movie premiere underlines his commitment to using his platform to highlight contentious social issues, such as ICE’s controversial enforcement actions.
Addressing his reasons for wearing the “Be Good” pin, Damon explained,
Matt Damon, while at the premiere of his new film “The Rip,” explains why he wore a “Be Good” pin on the red carpet. The pin is a response the recent fatal ICE shootings of Renee Good and Keith Porter.
– USA Today
Protests and Public Awareness Could Influence Future Dialogue
The rise in protests following Renee Good’s death and the vocal opposition from influential celebrities signal growing public unease with ICE’s methods. With increased attention on these incidents, there is potential for a wider national discussion about law enforcement accountability and immigration policies. As public figures like Matt Damon, Mark Ruffalo, and others continue speaking out, their actions may help foster a dialogue aimed at addressing violence and its impact on communities across the United States.
