Federal Investigation Declined in Minneapolis ICE Shooting of Renee Good

The U.S. Justice Department has announced it will not initiate a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. Federal authorities assert that Ross acted in self-defense, alleging that Good attempted to run over officers with her vehicle. However, video evidence reportedly contradicts this claim, showing the officer was to the side of Good’s SUV as she tried to drive away.

The decision has sparked criticism and concerns over transparency. At least six prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota, including Deputy U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson, have resigned in protest. They expressed apprehension about the Department of Justice's focus on investigating Good’s widow, Becca Good, instead of thoroughly examining the actions of the shooter.

Good's family has retained the law firm Romanucci & Blandin, known for representing George Floyd’s family, to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting. The family alleges that Good was complying with officers’ commands when she was shot and seeks to have her remembered as “an agent of peace.”

The incident has ignited national protests and intensified scrutiny of ICE's operations. A Quinnipiac University poll indicates that 53% of registered voters believe the shooting was unjustified, with 35% considering it justified and 12% expressing no opinion.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has defended the agent's actions and announced plans to deploy additional ICE agents, despite mounting criticism and allegations of a federal cover-up from Democratic lawmakers.

The FBI continues its investigation into the shooting, while public demonstrations persist, reflecting ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement practices and accountability.