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Family of Minneapolis Woman Killed by ICE Agent Hires High-Profile Civil Rights Law Firm
The family of Renee Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis mother of three killed by a federal immigration officer, has hired the same law firm that represented George Floyd’s family to investigate her death and seek accountability. The Chicago-based firm Romanucci & Blandin announced Wednesday they will release information about their investigation in the coming weeks.
In a statement, Good’s family requested she be remembered as “an agent of peace” and urged the public not to use her death as a political flashpoint. They are seeking answers about why federal officers were in the neighborhood on January 7, details about the officers’ actions during the encounter, and explanations for delays in providing medical aid after the shooting.
The development comes as the U.S. Justice Department stated it sees no basis to open a federal civil rights investigation into the shooting, though an FBI probe remains ongoing. Meanwhile, approximately six federal prosecutors in Minnesota resigned this week, and several supervisors in the Civil Rights Division’s criminal section in Washington have given notice of their departures.
The ICE agent who fired the fatal shots has been identified as Jonathan Ross, an Iraq War veteran who has served as a deportation officer since 2015. The Trump administration has defended Ross’s actions, saying he fired in self-defense while standing in front of Good’s vehicle as it began moving forward. This explanation has been challenged by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and others who have viewed video footage of the incident.
According to accounts from Good’s partner, Becca Good, and other relatives, the couple had just dropped off their 6-year-old child at school when they stopped to observe law enforcement activity in their neighborhood. Video evidence shows Renee Good’s red SUV positioned perpendicular to the road, partially blocking it, with her repeatedly honking the horn.
The confrontation escalated when immigration officers arrived in a truck. Two officers exited the vehicle, with one ordering Good to open her door. Video shows Good briefly reversing, then turning her steering wheel toward the passenger side as the officer repeated, “Get out of the car.” Almost simultaneously, Becca Good, attempting to open the passenger door, shouted, “Drive, baby, drive!” As the SUV moved forward, an officer positioned in front of the vehicle fired his weapon.
“What happened to Renee is wrong,” stated the law firm, which added that they intend to share their findings “on a rolling basis” due to what they perceive as inadequate information being provided to the community. The firm previously helped secure a $27 million settlement for George Floyd’s family and is now representing Becca Good as well as Renee Good’s parents and siblings.
In a statement to Minnesota Public Radio, Becca Good described the couple’s intention to support their neighbors during the ICE operation: “We had whistles. They had guns.” Though the law firm noted that Renee and Becca were “not legally married but were committed partners dedicated to their family.”
The shooting has sparked protests in Minneapolis, with demonstrators confronting law enforcement outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building. The case has added to ongoing national tensions over immigration enforcement tactics and use of deadly force by law enforcement officers.
As the investigation continues, community members have gathered for vigils honoring Renee Good, including one held at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. The incident has renewed calls for accountability and transparency in law enforcement operations, particularly those involving federal immigration authorities.
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16 Comments
This case raises concerning questions about the use of force by federal immigration agents. I’m interested to see what the family’s legal team uncovers and whether it leads to meaningful policy changes.
Agreed. The involvement of a high-profile civil rights firm suggests they believe there are serious issues that need to be addressed. Transparency and accountability will be crucial.
The loss of Renee Good’s life is deeply saddening. I hope the investigation can provide clarity and that her family finds some measure of closure, regardless of the outcome.
Well said. Even in the face of such tragedy, maintaining compassion and a focus on justice is important. I hope the family finds the answers and accountability they seek.
The involvement of the high-profile civil rights firm suggests the family believes there are serious questions about the use of force. I’m curious to learn more details as the investigation progresses.
Yes, the choice of legal representation indicates they believe Renee’s death warrants close scrutiny. I hope the probe brings clarity and holds any wrongdoing accountable.
This is a tragic and complex situation. I hope the family’s legal team can shed light on what happened and secure justice. Regardless of the circumstances, the loss of life is deeply saddening.
Agreed. Investigations should be thorough and transparent to build public trust. Hopefully this leads to meaningful change and prevents future tragedies.
The Justice Department’s stance is puzzling. I hope the FBI probe is more thorough and that the family’s legal team can uncover the full truth of this incident.
Agreed, the federal government’s position seems questionable. An independent investigation is essential to ensure all the facts come to light and appropriate actions are taken.
Hiring the same firm that represented George Floyd’s family is a bold move. They are clearly seeking justice and accountability, which is understandable given the concerning circumstances.
Absolutely. This case seems to raise similar issues around the use of force by law enforcement. A rigorous, impartial investigation is crucial to determine what happened.
This is a tragic situation that deserves a thorough, unbiased investigation. I hope the family’s legal team can shed light on what happened and ensure justice is served.
Absolutely. The family’s choice of legal representation suggests they are determined to get to the bottom of this and hold any responsible parties accountable.
It’s concerning to hear about the prosecutors and supervisors resigning in Minnesota. That raises further questions about the climate and decision-making around this case.
Yes, the resignations add an additional layer of intrigue. Transparency and accountability will be critical to maintain public trust in the process.