Actor Matt Damon openly condemned the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency’s apparent lack of proper training after the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis on January 7. Speaking at the premiere of his new Netflix film, The Rip, Damon wore a “Be Good” pin to show solidarity with the victim and spark conversations about the nation’s future and law enforcement practices.
Concerns Raised About Law Enforcement and Community Safety
At the event, Damon shared his alarm over the incident, emphasizing how many people are feeling anxious and unsettled by such events on the streets. He said,
“Yeah, I mean, I think that that incident was incredibly alarming,”
and added,
“I think a lot of people are on edge and worried about this and paying very close attention and really worried about this type of behavior out in our streets and the lack of training that we’re reading about and hearing about with some of these people who are going out there.”
He further noted that many within law enforcement disagree with how the situation was managed.
“Clearly, you know, I’ve heard from a lot of friends in law enforcement that that was not the way they would have handled the situation. I think as concerned citizens, we need to be talking about this and talking about what kind of country we want to live in,”
Damon said, highlighting the importance of public dialogue on these matters.
Details of the Fatal Incident Involving Renee Good and ICE Agent
Renee Good was shot by ICE officer Jonathan Ross last week in Minneapolis. Newly surfaced cellphone footage recorded by Ross revealed different perspectives on the encounter. According to the Trump administration, Good tried to run Ross over with her vehicle as she attempted to leave the scene, though many viewers interpret the video as showing her simply driving away.
The footage shows a tense exchange where Good tells Ross, “I’m not mad at you,” before she reverses her car, turns the steering wheel as if to maneuver around the officer, and then moves forward. Ross reacts by shouting and firing three shots at her vehicle, shortly before Good’s car crashes into parked cars, during which Ross is heard calling Good a “f—king bitch.”
Matt Damon Calls for Greater Awareness and Change
On the red carpet of The Rip, Damon reiterated his concerns about the situation and spoke to USA Today about the wider implications. He expressed hope that the tragedy could help bring more attention to ongoing issues with law enforcement and public safety.
“I think like millions of people around the country, we’re really concerned with what’s going on,”
Damon said.
“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.”
Potential Impact on Public Debate and Law Enforcement Practices
Damon’s outspoken criticism reflects growing tension and apprehension among Americans regarding law enforcement conduct, particularly in immigrant enforcement operations. His call to conversation urges citizens, officials, and law enforcement to reconsider training protocols and community relations. The incident in Minneapolis has not only reignited debates around ICE’s role but also heightened public demands for accountability and reform across policing agencies nationwide.
Matt Damon on wearing a "Be Good" protest pin to "The Rip" premiere in tribute to Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis.#MattDamon pic.twitter.com/1mRkjkfcRN
— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) January 14, 2026
