Renee Good's Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuits Against US Government and Immigration Officials

Renee Good’s family has filed two lawsuits against the U.S. government and several immigration officials, alleging wrongful death and other violations of federal law in connection with her killing by an immigration officer during a federal operation in Minneapolis. The lawsuits were brought forth by Good’s partner, Becca Good, and her brother, Brent Ganger.

The first lawsuit, filed against the United States of America, claims the wrongful death of Renee Good under Minnesota law. It cites battery, assault, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence as causes for her death.

The second lawsuit alleges a conspiracy to interfere with civil rights and names immigration officer Jonathan Ross, who fatally shot Good, as well as White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, former Homeland Security head Kristi Noem, former US Border Patrol commander-at-large Gregory Bovino, and President Donald Trump’s campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, among others.

Renee Good, a mother of three, was shot and killed on January 7 as protests against immigration raids occurred in Minneapolis. According to Becca Good, her partner had stopped their vehicle to support neighbors during the immigration operation. Video footage shows Good in the driver's seat of an SUV blocking part of the road and honking her horn. As immigration officers approached, one ordered Good to exit the car. She briefly reversed before turning the steering wheel. Amidst shouts from Becca Good, an officer standing in front of the vehicle discharged his weapon into the windshield. The officer then fired two more shots into the open driver's side window, striking Renee Good.

Federal officials initially stated that the officer acted in self-defense and characterized Good's actions as "an act of domestic terrorism."

The death of Renee Good, along with the later killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, sparked widespread outrage and calls for greater oversight of immigration enforcement. Reports indicate that at least 10 individuals have died in encounters with immigration officers during President Trump's second term. These incidents include the fatal shooting of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, by an ICE officer with a history of violent behavior, and the wounding of Wilber Rafael Garces-Perez, a delivery driver in Austin, Texas, who was charged with sideswiping an officer and attempting to strike another with his vehicle.

Becca Good and Renee Good, who referred to each other as wives, had recently relocated to Minneapolis from Kansas City, Missouri. Renee Good described herself on social media as a "poet and writer and wife and mom." Her mother, Donna Ganger, recalled her daughter's ability to make others feel special and loved.