Family of Minneapolis woman shot by ICE officer files two federal lawsuits

The family of Renee Good, a Minneapolis resident who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer on Jan. 7, announced Thursday that it has filed two federal civil lawsuits. The suits allege wrongful death, excessive force, battery, assault, false imprisonment, emotional distress and negligence.

One action seeks liability for the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act, while the second names ICE officer Jonathan Ross and several federal officials, including White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

At a press conference, Good’s partner, Becca Good, described her late spouse as “pure love, funny, smart, gorgeous” and expressed grief over missing family milestones. She said, “Every morning she’s my first thought. I think about how the kids are growing up without their mama, and how I’ll grow old without the love of my life.”

Renee Good’s brother, Brent Ganger, called the killing “completely senseless” and said the lawsuits are intended to remind officials that the family has not forgotten.

Good, 37, was shot while seated in the driver’s seat of her SUV during an encounter with Ross. The incident occurred about a month after a federal deployment of immigration agents to the Twin Cities, an operation that sparked protests and was ended in February. Video of the shooting shows Good’s partner urging Ross to remove a face covering and attempting to drive away before multiple gunshots were heard and the vehicle crashed.

Officials from the Department of Homeland Security and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A representative for Ross could not be identified.

Attorney Antonio M. Romanucci, representing the family, said the lawsuits aim to uncover the facts surrounding the use of deadly force.