The family of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis on January 7, has publicly shared their grief and disbelief following the deadly encounter.
Good was driving in a residential neighborhood south of downtown when federal immigration agents, part of a broader enforcement operation in the city, confronted her vehicle and opened fire. She later died from her injuries at a local medical center.
Loved Ones Remember a Compassionate Mother
Good’s family described her as a gentle and caring person who “had an extremely compassionate spirit” and was devoted to her children and community. Her mother, Donna Ganger, expressed deep shock and sorrow over her daughter’s death, saying, “She was probably terrified” in the moments leading up to the shooting. According to relatives, Good was a mother of three, including a young son whose father passed away in 2023. Family members say she lived with her partner in the Twin Cities area and was not involved in violent protests or confrontations with law enforcement. Her loved ones recalled her as “one of the kindest people” they had ever known, someone who spent her life caring for others and creating a warm environment for her family and friends.
Federal Narrative vs. Family Account
Federal authorities, including Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leadership, have defended the ICE agent’s actions. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and other administration officials characterized the shooting as a response to Good allegedly attempting to use her vehicle as a weapon against agents, saying the officer fired in self-defense amid a chaotic scene. This official version has been sharply disputed by Good’s family, local leaders, and eyewitnesses. Her relatives and supporters argue that she was not trying to harm anyone, and that what happened was a tragic overreach by federal law enforcement rather than an act of aggression by Good herself.
Outrage and Calls for Accountability
News of Good’s death quickly drew public outcry, with community members, advocates, and local officials condemning the shooting and demanding accountability. Protests and vigils have taken place in Minneapolis and other cities, as people mourned her loss and voiced broader concerns about federal immigration enforcement tactics. Critics have also challenged the Trump administration’s rhetoric surrounding the incident, including comments that framed the encounter in terms of terrorism or violent intent by Good. Former President Donald Trump faced backlash for social media remarks that many detractors called insensitive given the circumstances.
Investigation Underway
Federal authorities, including the FBI, have taken control of the investigation into the shooting to determine whether the use of lethal force was justified under the law. This inquiry aims to establish a timeline of events, examine video and eyewitness accounts, and decide whether criminal charges or disciplinary action are warranted. Local officials, including Minneapolis leadership and state authorities, are also demanding transparency and a thorough review of federal enforcement practices. Many community leaders argue Good’s death underscores deeper issues about how immigration operations intersect with civilian safety in American cities.
A Family Left in Pain
As investigations continue, Good’s family remains focused on preserving her memory and advocating for justice. The loss of a mother, partner, and friend has resonated beyond Minneapolis, touching off national conversation about law enforcement accountability, immigration policy, and the value of human life in confrontations with federal agents. Her relatives remember her not for the circumstances of her death, but for the joy she brought to others — a legacy they say deserves respect, dignity, and answers.
