Renee Good's Brothers Urge Congress to Act as Family Says Her Death Brought No Change

The two brothers of Renee Good, a 37‑year‑old mother shot dead by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis, have urged the US Congress to take action after what they say has been a lack of meaningful change since her death.

At a public forum in Washington, D.C., Luke and Brent Ganger testified about the emotional toll on their family and their deep distress that their sister's killing has not altered federal enforcement practices. They appealed to lawmakers to address the use of force by Department of Homeland Security agents, saying encounters with immigration officers are 'changing many lives' across the country.

What Happened to Renee Good

Renee Good was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on 7 January in south Minneapolis, during a federal immigration operation linked to President Donald Trump's deportation agenda.

Good, a US citizen and mother of three, was in her vehicle when an agent opened fire. The Trump administration initially characterised the incident as self‑defence, claiming she tried to ram an officer, a description disputed by state and local officials and by protestors.

Her death, followed weeks later by the killing of another US citizen, Alex Pretti, has sparked protests against immigration enforcement tactics. Critics argue that federal agents' use of force in these operations is excessive and lacks accountability, a point the Ganger brothers highlighted in their testimony.

Rene Good's Brothers: Emotional Testimony on Capitol Hill

Luke and Brent Ganger addressed lawmakers during a session organised by Democratic senators and representatives, including Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Robert Garcia, focused on federal use‑of‑force practices.

Describing the family's experience, Luke Ganger spoke of 'deep distress' caused by Good's death, calling the circumstances 'violent and unnecessary'. He recounted trying to explain the tragedy to his young daughter, who he said 'has Renee's spirit'.

The brothers said they had once hoped that Good's death might prompt reforms in how Homeland Security agents operate, but said this hope had faded. As Luke put it, despite taking 'some consolation thinking that perhaps her death would bring change in our country ... it has not', emphasising their frustration that nothing significant had yet shifted.

But rather than focusing on the technical details of the shooting, they spoke about Good's life and character. Luke told lawmakers that 'what a beautiful American we have lost', describing his sister as a sister, daughter, mother, partner, and friend whose death has left a void.

Brett Ganger shared passages from the eulogy he delivered at her funeral, saying she had a unique ability to inspire optimism. He compared her to a dandelion that brings beauty in unexpected places and said she 'believed tomorrow could be better than today' and that 'kindness mattered'.

What Has Happened Since Good's Death?

Sen. Blumenthal and Rep. Garcia used the session to emphasise the need for reforms in how the Department of Homeland Security conducts such operations, particularly regarding the use of force and interactions with civilians. There have been demands for stricter protocols, more transparent reporting, and an independent review of incidents involving federal agents.

Good's killing has already become a national flashpoint, with protests in Minneapolis and beyond. In some cities, demonstrations have called for ending specific enforcement strategies and for systemic investigation into federal immigration tactics.

However, Trump publicly vowed that ICE would not retreat from Minnesota and portrayed the enforcement surge as necessary to remove alleged criminals.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also defended the federal response, saying the ICE agent involved 'followed his training' and justifying continuation of the enforcement surge, which has drawn widespread criticism.

Democrats and some Republicans have criticised Noem's handling of the situation, with articles of impeachment introduced in the House against her for alleged obstruction of justice and misuse of authority in the enforcement campaign.

Multiple federal prosecutors, citing dissatisfaction with the Department of Justice's refusal to investigate Good's shooting as a civil rights case, have resigned in protest.

In response to the killings of Good and another Minneapolis resident, Homeland Security announced body‑worn cameras for immigration officers, backed by Trump.

Where is Renee Good's Shooter Now?

After the incident, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Ross was treated for internal bleeding in his torso, injuries sustained during the encounter, and was released from the hospital.

Federal officials have said he has not yet returned to work, though details about his current duty status are limited.

Ross, who has been identified as the agent involved in the shooting, is a 10‑year law enforcement veteran with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and a background in the US Border Patrol, having served in Iraq and worked in deportation operations in Minnesota.