The family of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, is in mourning after her tragic death at the hands of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on January 7 in Minneapolis. In the wake of this incident, the family has announced their legal team’s initiation of a civil investigation into her case. Good’s parents, Tim Ganger and Donna Ganger, alongside her four siblings, expressed their profound grief in a statement to ABC News, stating, “We miss her more than words could ever express.” They also extended their gratitude to the community for the overwhelming support they have received during this difficult time.
Renee Good was a dedicated mother to three children aged 15, 12, and 6. Her family described her as a “beautiful light” who brought “joy” to everyone around her. They emphasized the kindness they have experienced since her death mirrors the “unending care” that Renee—affectionately known as “Nae Nae”—exhibited throughout her life. “We want to thank everyone who has reached out in support of Renee and our family,” they said, highlighting the community’s compassion during their time of grief.
The Department of Homeland Security has claimed that Good was allegedly attempting to run over law enforcement officers during an act of domestic terrorism when the ICE agent, Jonathan Ross, fatally shot her. This assertion has been met with skepticism from local leaders in Minneapolis, who have condemned the actions of the ICE agent. An analysis by ABC News of verified video footage released on January 9 indicates that Good was turning her car's steering wheel away from the agent just before the first gunshot was fired.
ICE agent Jonathan Ross reportedly suffered internal bleeding following the incident, but the extent of his injuries remains unclear. In a recent interview with CNN's State of the Union, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem alleged that Good had been protesting ICE activities and harassing law enforcement prior to the shooting. Her claims have prompted widespread protests in Minneapolis, with advocates demanding that the U.S. Department of Justice launch a civil rights investigation into Good’s death.
Despite community calls for an investigation, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated there is currently no basis for a criminal civil rights inquiry. The FBI is leading the investigation into Good's death, which has faced criticism from state and local officials due to a lack of transparency. Reports suggest that at least six federal prosecutors in Minneapolis resigned, concerned that the Department of Justice was focusing instead on investigating Good for purported ties to groups protesting immigration enforcement.
Represented by the law firm Romanucci & Blandin, which previously represented the family of George Floyd, Good’s family has initiated a civil investigation into her death. In their statement, they called for peace and transparency as they seek answers regarding the circumstances of her fatal shooting. Family attorney Antonio M. Romanucci emphasized that people across the nation are invested in what happened to Renee Good, assuring the public that updates will be provided promptly and transparently.
Renee Good’s family, in their poignant tribute, described her as their “best friend” with a “seemingly infinite capacity for love.” They shared how she dedicated herself to caring for friends, family, and even strangers, expressing, “If there was any celebration for any one of us, Nae amplified it. If there was sorrow, she was with you for all of it.” The family reflects on her memory, vowing to honor her “abundant heart” by imitating her spirit of care as they move forward.
In their heartfelt statement, Good's loved ones lamented the absence of her “gentle guidance” and “eloquence” as she had often edited their writings. They concluded with a message that captures her essence: “Be Good.” This phrase not only symbolizes Renee’s wishes for the world but also embodies the mission of her attorneys, who are determined to seek accountability for her death while advocating for a kinder, more civil America.
As the investigation continues and the community rallies in support, the legacy of Renee Good will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those she touched.