The family of Renee Good held a news conference after filing two civil lawsuits against the U.S. government and several immigration officials. Renee, aged 37, was killed by a federal agent in Minnesota during an immigration enforcement surge. Her family, including her father Tim Ganger, mother Donna Ganger, and brothers Luke and Brent, listened intently at the event.
One lawsuit addresses the wrongful death of Renee and accuses the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, Jonathan Ross, of using excessive force. They argue that this violates the agency’s policies and the Fourth Amendment. The family seeks damages for Renee’s suffering and for her partner, Becca Good, who witnessed the incident. Ross shot Renee multiple times while she was in her car, and federal claims that she weaponized her vehicle are contradicted by video evidence.
The second lawsuit is unusual, charging federal officials with conspiring to infringe on civil rights in Minnesota. It claims Renee’s death resulted from the state’s immigration crackdown and detailed a campaign targeting Somali and Hispanic communities. The legal team, Romanucci & Blandin, based their argument on the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, a law created to counter KKK terrorism during Reconstruction.
“The second lawsuit is very unusual,” remarked Rachel Moran, a University of St. Thomas law professor. She highlighted how it contrasts with the Trump administration’s use of conspiracy charges against protesters.
Attorney Ben Berkman stated the first lawsuit concerns the actions of officers on the day Renee was shot. The second focuses on the broader environment that enabled such actions. Federal officials involved include Ross, Stephen Miller, Kristi Noem, Tom Homan, Gregory Bovino, and others. They face charges, though the Department of Homeland Security has yet to respond to inquiries. A spokesperson for the White House labeled the lawsuits “baseless.”
Ten unidentified federal agents present at the scene are listed as John Does, as their masked identities remain undisclosed.
The lawsuits highlight a lack of criminal action following Renee’s death and similar incidents, such as that of Alex Pretti. According to The Trace, a site tracking gun violence, immigration agents have killed nine people since President Trump’s recent term began.
Renee’s family expressed frustration over the absence of formal investigations. Hennepin County officials, representing Minneapolis, stated evidence is under review, promising transparency once decisions are made.
During the news conference, the family’s impatience with inaction became clear. Community-level cases like this have the potential to hold entire institutions accountable, as stated by Brent Ganger. “No accountability, no investigation, no change in policy is mind-blowing,” Brent said, emphasizing the need for action and accountability.
The family has been active publicly, with Brent and Donna Ganger testifying before Congress on federal shooting incidents. Renee’s partner, Becca Good, shared emotional reflections about Renee, underscoring the personal loss experienced.
Becca spoke of raising Renee’s children alone, including their 6-year-old son, and attending events like Back to School Night without Renee. “I bought our son new shoes and a backpack,” she recalled, highlighting their shared joys now experienced alone. She faces celebrations like Halloween without Renee, showing the deep personal impact beyond this tragic event.