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Expert reveals likelihood of ICE officer who fatally shot Renee Good facing criminal charges
On January 7, 2026, Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, Jonathan Ross, during a federal enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
The incident occurred when ICE agents were attempting to remove a car stuck in the snow. Protests from onlookers reportedly obstructed the operation, leading to increased tension at the scene.
Footage released by Alpha News and the Department of Homeland Security shows the moments leading up to the shooting. Good's wife, who was recording, can be seen walking around the vehicle as a confrontation unfolded.
After Good briefly reversed her vehicle and turned the steering wheel toward the passenger side, she drove forward, at which point Officer Ross opened fire. Ross later explained that he feared for his life and shot in self-defense.
However, local officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, expressed skepticism about this claim. Mayor Frey, after viewing the video footage, stated: “They’re already trying to spin this as an action of self-defence. Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly - that is bulls**t.”
Legal expert discusses potential charges
The question of whether Officer Ross will face criminal charges remains uncertain. Legal expert Andrew McCarthy weighed in on the situation in National Review, offering insight into what might happen next.
He argued that if Good was merely trying to flee, rather than deliberately running over Ross, she should be viewed as a victim of excessive force rather than a threat to law enforcement. However, McCarthy also noted that if Good's driving was deemed reckless or dangerous, it could be seen as justifying the officer’s actions.
McCarthy explained that the use of deadly force is sometimes deemed appropriate when a law enforcement officer believes they are facing a significant threat, particularly when a vehicle is involved.
He acknowledged the legal complexities of the case, predicting that Ross would not face charges. Nonetheless, McCarthy emphasized that this would not lessen the tragedy of the incident and would likely fuel civil unrest.
Family reflects on loss and the circumstances of the shooting
Renee Good’s wife, Rebecca Good, shared her emotional response to the shooting, explaining to Minnesota Public Radio that they had stopped to help their neighbors and were met with an overwhelming show of force. “We had whistles. They had guns,” she said, expressing both her grief and frustration over the incident.
Rebecca further described her late wife as “pure love, pure joy, pure sunshine,” reflecting the deep loss felt by her family and friends. The shooting has sparked protests and a wider conversation about police and ICE use of force, with many questioning whether this incident was an appropriate response by law enforcement.
This tragic event continues to unfold with new details emerging, raising important questions about accountability in law enforcement practices, particularly in situations involving the use of deadly force.