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Update on whether charges will be brought against Minneapolis ICE agent who shot and killed Renee Good
The fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer has erupted into a fierce political and legal battle that’s gripping Minneapolis and reverberating across the country.
The 37-year-old mother was killed on January 7, 2026, in broad daylight as federal agents conducted an immigration raid. Chilling footage captured the moment she was shot three times while driving her SUV — a video that has since fueled widespread outrage.
The federal agent involved, Jonathan Ross, is now at the center of a heated investigation. Despite public pressure, it’s becoming increasingly likely that he will not face criminal charges, according to insiders.
Meanwhile, federal and local officials continue to clash, with the state of Minnesota even filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for its aggressive ICE enforcement.
Family refutes false claims and calls for empathy
As rumors about Renee Good's background swirled online, her family broke their silence to set the record straight. Her sister-in-law, Morgan Fletcher, posted a heartfelt message on Facebook, saying, “You never think the passing of a loved one will be high profile… or a massively divisive, political topic.” She condemned the spread of misinformation, adding, “The wrong Renee Good’s info [was] being posted (criminal history? She didn’t have one).”
In a separate statement, the family described Good as “an extraordinary mother” who was “full of heart and never defined by malice.” They urged the public to show “humanity, empathy, and care for the family most affected.” The plea came as Good’s name became a lightning rod in a broader debate about law enforcement and immigration in America.
Legal and political fallout deepens
Despite mounting calls for accountability, the Department of Justice has declined to open a civil rights investigation. Instead, the case remains in the hands of the FBI. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told The U.S. Sun, “The DOJ will not prosecute the ICE agent in today’s political climate.” He added, “The state can still conduct its own independent investigation.”
At least four senior officials from the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, including top prosecutors, have resigned — departures viewed internally as a protest against the department’s handling of the case.
Six more prosecutors in Minnesota followed, quitting after the DOJ allegedly pushed for a criminal probe into Renee Good’s widow, Becca, while shielding the ICE officer from civil rights review.
Meanwhile, Trump and other administration officials have painted Good as a violent threat. Vice President JD Vance called the incident “classic terrorism,” while DHS Secretary Kristi Noem claimed Good “weaponized” her vehicle. Trump described her as “very violent” and “very radical,” though no criminal record or charges against her had been confirmed.
Could state charges still be filed?
Legal experts believe state prosecutors still have a path forward. Rahmani noted that under Minnesota law, the agent could potentially face charges ranging from second-degree murder to manslaughter. Criminal defense attorney Eric Faddis added to The U.S. Sun, “A state court can charge anybody for whom they believe there’s probable cause.”
Faddis also commented that had Good survived, she might have faced charges for using her vehicle as a weapon, including “vehicular assault” and “obstructing law enforcement activity.” Still, both attorneys agreed that the question of self-defense — the justification used by Ross and his defenders — would be the crux of any prosecution.
As Minneapolis remains on edge, and protests continue to flare, Good’s family has emphasized that their fight is about more than politics. “Please remember she was a human being,” Fletcher wrote. “She leaves behind children, a wife, and a family who are grieving.”