The family of Renee Good, who was killed last January by a federal agent during the Trump administration's immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, has filed two civil lawsuits against the federal government. One lawsuit, against the United States government, is a wrongful death case, arguing that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who killed Good, Jonathan Ross, violated agency policies and the Fourth Amendment by using excessive force.
The lawsuits claim that Ross shot Renee Good several times in her car, despite video evidence contradicting federal officials' claims that she had weaponized her vehicle. The wrongful death case seeks damages for Good's family for her suffering in the final moments of her life and for her partner, Becca Good, who witnessed the killing and has suffered intense emotional distress.
The second lawsuit alleges that federal officials engaged in a conspiracy to interfere with the civil rights of people in Minnesota, arguing that Good's death was the "predictable and intended product" of the immigration crackdown in the state. The lawsuit claims that Ross' actions were part of a "carefully planned, coordinated effort" to target Somali and Hispanic people.
The lawyers representing Good's family, from the firm Romanucci & Blandin, relied on the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, which was used to combat KKK terrorism during the Reconstruction era. Law professor Rachel Moran noted that this lawsuit is unusual, as it accuses administration officials of an illegal conspiracy, a tactic typically used by the administration against protesters.
The lawsuits name several federal officials, including Ross, White House adviser Stephen Miller, former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and former Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino. The Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the lawsuits, but a White House spokesperson stated that they intend to vigorously defend against the "baseless civil lawsuits".
The civil charges highlight the lack of criminal charges or investigations into Good's death and the death of Alex Pretti at the hands of Border Patrol agents a few weeks later in Minneapolis. Local officials in Minnesota have also not filed charges or released investigation findings, sparking frustration from Good's family, who have called for accountability and policy changes.
Good's family, including her brother Brent Ganger and partner Becca Good, have spoken publicly about the need for accountability and the impact of her death on their lives. Becca Good, who is raising their 6-year-old son, spoke about the pain of experiencing milestones without Renee, such as preparing their son for first grade and taking him trick-or-treating.
Key points
- The family of Renee Good has filed two civil lawsuits against the US government, alleging wrongful death and conspiracy to interfere with civil rights.
- The lawsuits claim that federal officials, including ICE officer Jonathan Ross, engaged in a coordinated effort to target Somali and Hispanic people, resulting in Good's death.
- The lack of criminal charges or investigations into Good's death has sparked frustration from her family, who are seeking accountability and policy changes.
