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The brothers of Renee Good, one of two American citizens killed by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, delivered emotional testimony before Congress on Tuesday, urging lawmakers to address what they described as escalating violence during immigration enforcement operations.
“The completely surreal scenes taking place on the streets of Minneapolis are beyond explanation. This is not just a bad day, or a rough week, or isolated incidents,” said Luke Ganger, Good’s brother. “These encounters with federal agents are changing the community and changing many lives, including ours, forever.”
Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed on January 7 during an immigration enforcement operation. Her death, followed by that of fellow protester Alex Pretti just weeks later, has fueled nationwide outrage and intensified calls for reform of immigration enforcement practices.
The hearing, organized by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), focused on use-of-force complaints against Department of Homeland Security officers carrying out immigration enforcement under the Trump administration’s deportation policies. The session aimed to examine allegations of excessive force and misconduct by federal immigration agents.
Luke and Brett Ganger spoke with visible emotion during the session, often comforting each other as they shared memories of their sister. The brothers described the “deep distress” their family has experienced after losing Renee in “such a violent and unnecessary way.”
While Trump administration officials have claimed that Good attempted to run over an officer with her vehicle, state and local officials in Minneapolis, along with protesters, have strongly disputed this characterization. The incident has become a flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement tactics.
Rather than addressing these conflicting narratives directly, the Ganger brothers focused on humanizing their sister and emphasizing the personal toll of her death.
“The most important thing we can do is explain what a beautiful American we have lost. A sister. A daughter. A mother. A partner and a friend,” Luke Ganger told the panel.
Brett Ganger shared portions of the eulogy he delivered at his sister’s funeral, comparing her to dandelions that “grow and bring beauty in unexpected places.”
“She believed tomorrow could be better than today. She believed that kindness mattered. And she lived that belief,” he said of his late sister.
The congressional forum also featured testimony from three other American citizens who recounted their experiences with Homeland Security officers, further highlighting concerns about enforcement practices.
The deaths of Good and Pretti come amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement nationwide. Under the Trump administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other DHS agencies have expanded operations in cities across the country, including in so-called “sanctuary cities” like Minneapolis that have policies limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Civil rights organizations and immigration advocates have increasingly documented allegations of excessive force, due process violations, and the targeting of activists and protesters during immigration operations. These concerns have prompted calls from some lawmakers and advocacy groups for greater oversight of DHS agencies and reform of use-of-force policies.
The Ganger brothers’ testimony underscores the human impact of these enforcement actions, transforming what might otherwise be viewed as policy debates into deeply personal tragedies affecting American families.
While the hearing did not result in immediate legislative action, it represents part of ongoing congressional efforts to examine the conduct of federal immigration enforcement agencies and potentially develop reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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12 Comments
The details of this case are truly disturbing. My heart goes out to the family of Renee Good. Congress must act quickly to investigate these incidents, hold the responsible parties accountable, and implement robust safeguards to protect all citizens during immigration operations.
Absolutely. The testimony from Renee Good’s brothers is a powerful call to action. Lawmakers need to take concrete steps to reform immigration enforcement and ensure the safety of all Americans, regardless of their immigration status.
It’s appalling that these incidents keep occurring. Federal agents should be held to the highest standards of restraint and de-escalation, especially when dealing with American citizens. Something has clearly gone wrong that needs to be fixed.
Absolutely. Increased oversight and accountability for immigration enforcement actions is clearly needed to prevent further tragedies like this. The lives of Renee Good and Alex Pretti cannot be forgotten.
This is a tragic and unacceptable situation. The use of excessive force by federal agents against American citizens is deeply concerning. Congress must take immediate action to address this issue and implement reforms to prevent further loss of innocent life.
I agree. The emotional pleas from Renee Good’s brothers highlight the human cost of these incidents. Lawmakers need to take this issue seriously and work quickly to find solutions that protect the rights and safety of all citizens.
This is a tragic situation that highlights the need for serious reforms to immigration enforcement practices. The loss of innocent life is heartbreaking and unacceptable. Congress must act swiftly to address these issues and prevent further violence.
I agree, the testimony from the brothers of Renee Good is powerful and demands a response from lawmakers. Reforms to ensure the safety of all during immigration operations should be a top priority.
The emotional testimony from Renee Good’s brothers is heartbreaking. No family should have to endure such a devastating loss due to excessive force by federal agents. Congress must take concrete steps to reform immigration enforcement and protect all citizens.
I hope this hearing leads to meaningful action, not just empty promises. The American public deserves to feel safe in their own communities, regardless of immigration status. Real, lasting change is required.
This is a complex and sensitive issue, but the loss of innocent life is unacceptable. I’m glad to see Congress taking it seriously and hope they can find solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future. Thoughtful, bipartisan reforms are needed.
Agreed. Addressing use-of-force issues in immigration enforcement is critical. The brothers’ emotional pleas underscore the human toll of these incidents and the urgent need for accountability and change.