Renee Good’s Family Sues U.S. Government And Immigration Officials Over Fatal ICE Shooting

MINNEAPOLIS — The family of Renee Good has filed two federal lawsuits against the U.S. government and several immigration officials over her fatal shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer earlier this year.

Good, 37, was shot and killed on January 7 during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Her death was captured on video and quickly became the center of a national controversy over the actions of federal immigration officers.

The lawsuits were filed Thursday by Good’s partner, Becca Good, and her brother, Brent Ganger.

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One lawsuit names the United States and alleges wrongful death under Minnesota law, including claims involving battery, assault, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence. The litigation also alleges violations of Good’s constitutional rights and challenges the circumstances surrounding the federal immigration operation.

Good was inside her SUV when ICE officer Jonathan Ross approached during the January encounter. Videos showed Good briefly reversing before moving forward and turning as Ross stood near the front left side of the vehicle. Ross then fired multiple rounds into the vehicle, striking Good three times.

Federal officials have maintained that Ross acted in self-defense and that the use of force was justified. Good’s family disputes that account and alleges that excessive force was used.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner classified Good’s death as a homicide. That classification means her death resulted from the actions of another person and does not, by itself, determine whether a crime was committed.

No federal agent involved in Good’s death has been criminally charged. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has continued a state-level investigation into whether Minnesota law was violated.

Good’s death occurred during a major federal immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota and sparked protests and intense debate over federal immigration enforcement.

The lawsuits also make broader allegations about the planning and conduct of that operation. Those claims are allegations made by Good’s family and attorneys and have not been established by a court.

The Justice Department had not immediately responded to the Associated Press’ request for comment on the newly filed lawsuits Thursday morning.

The cases now move into federal court, where the government and the individual defendants will have an opportunity to formally respond to the allegations.