Statement on ICE actions
"Where there are human rights violations, nurses ought to and must stand up for those rights and demand accountability."
— Code of Ethics for Nurses, Provision 8.2
The Board of Directors of the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) condemns the killing of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis. While government officials have claimed that she was shot in self-defense while attempting to run over the agent, video footage clearly demonstrates that this is simply not true. Her tragic killing was unnecessary and unjustified.
Although this horrific incident took place in Minnesota, it represents a problem that touches communities throughout the nation. The current Administration has continued to expand the size and authority of ICE. WSNA has gone on record opposing the assault on immigrant rights, in which ICE has played a leading role. The 2025 WSNA General Assembly adopted a motion declaring our “support for the rights and fair treatment of immigrants to the United States,” and calling for an end to ICE raids in health care settings, places of worship, and all public spaces. WSNA has also provided advice to nurses about what to do if ICE agents come to their workplace.
Aggressive policies purportedly aimed at undocumented immigrants have affected a wide range of immigrants regardless of legal status. The Administration has even threatened to denaturalize and deport naturalized citizens. But with the killing of Renee Good, it is clearer than ever that anyone can be at risk for protesting ICE presence in our communities.
WSNA has joined with community organizations in decrying dangerous conditions in ICE detention facilities, including neglect of health care needs that has led to injury and even death. We have opposed ICE presence in hospitals, whether through raids or in accompanying detainees. Such presence not only has a chilling effect on immigrants seeking healthcare services; it poses dangers to patients, staff, and visitors. It was only last October when an ICE contractor left a loaded gun in a bathroom at St. Joseph Tacoma.
We also note that, after Renee Good was shot, agents not only failed to render first aid, but they also actively prevented a physician on the scene from attending to her. This is unconscionable. Health professionals must be allowed to provide care for injured people—to act under the protection of Good Samaritan laws.
Nurses care daily for victims of violence. Our hearts go out to Renee Good’s family, friends, and neighbors, who must deal now with the trauma of witnessing her brutal killing.
In keeping with our Code of Ethics, we must speak out against this grave human rights violation and demand accountability for the killing of Renee Good.