By Gloria Ogbonna
At their Friday night concert in Sacramento, California, legendary British New Wave band Duran Duran paused to acknowledge the tragic death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old Minnesota mother whose fatal shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer earlier this week has ignited nationwide attention and debate.
Performing at the Thunder Valley Casino, the Grammy-nominated group dedicated their heartfelt 1993 hit “Ordinary World” to Good, whose death on January 7 occurred during an ICE enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
Frontman Simon Le Bon took a moment onstage to speak directly to the crowd about peace and human dignity.
“We believe that people in this world have a right to live their lives in peace and lives of freedom and happiness in their own country,” he said. “For all the ordinary people in this world, we wish upon you an ordinary world.”
“Ordinary World,” one of the standout tracks from the album often referred to as The Wedding Album, carries themes of loss and aspiration — making it a poignant selection for the tribute.
Broader Responses and Controversy
Duran Duran’s public acknowledgment comes amid a broader wave of reactions from artists and public figures to the circumstances surrounding Good’s killing, which has drawn intense scrutiny across political lines.
The fatal encounter began when ICE agents approached Good’s vehicle during a federal operation in Minneapolis. Videos widely circulated online show Good inside her SUV when an ICE officer later identified as Jonathan E. Ross opened fire, striking her multiple times.
Federal officials, including the Trump administration and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, have asserted that Good attempted to use her vehicle to attack officers.
Law enforcement labeled the incident an act of “domestic terrorism,” a characterization that has been challenged by local leaders and witnesses who say the video does not support that claim.
Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis and several lawmakers have criticized federal narratives and raised questions about the justification for the use of lethal force, especially in light of video evidence and conflicting accounts.
Artists Weigh In
Duran Duran is not alone among musicians speaking out. Dave Matthews posted on social media criticizing ICE and expressing anger over Good’s death, using profane language in calling out the agency. Billie Eilish also posted about the incident online, drawing a public response from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Additionally, Roger Waters, co-founder of Pink Floyd, has made broader statements critical of U.S. government immigration policies and enforcement practices. (Note: specific citations for the latter comments were reported in earlier versions of media coverage but should be verified with up-to-date sources when used.)
Source Breitbart
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