The family of Renee Nicole Good is alleging that U.S. federal immigration officers caused the death of the Minneapolis mother while she was complying with their instructions. They have retained the legal services of the firm Romanucci & Blandin, known for representing George Floyd’s family, to seek clarification and accountability. Good, 37, is being remembered by her loved ones as a “peaceful individual,” with a plea to keep her passing from becoming a political issue. The law firm, based in Chicago, has announced plans to disclose details from their inquiry in the upcoming weeks.
Amidst these developments, the U.S. Justice Department has declared no grounds for launching a federal civil rights probe into the incident involving a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. Nevertheless, an FBI investigation into Good’s death is currently ongoing. The Trump administration has supported the actions of the ICE officer, stating that the officer fired in self-defense while positioned in front of Good’s moving vehicle. However, this explanation has faced criticism from various figures, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, following the release of video footage depicting the confrontation.
Reports indicate that around six federal prosecutors in Minnesota have resigned recently, and multiple supervisors in the criminal section of the civil rights division in Washington have given notice of their impending departures in connection to this case.
Romanucci & Blandin stated that Good’s family seeks answers regarding the federal operation that occurred on January 7 in the area where Good was killed, as well as the conduct of the officers during the encounter and the delay in providing medical assistance after the shooting. The identity of the ICE agent responsible for the shooting has not been disclosed publicly.
According to the law firm, Good’s partner, Becca Good, and other family members were observing law enforcement activities after dropping off their child at school when officers approached them. The attorneys mentioned that Renee Nicole Good seemed to be attempting to drive away from an agent before the shooting incident, although an official account from investigators has not been released.
In a statement to Minnesota Public Radio, Becca Good expressed that the couple had stopped to support their neighbors, emphasizing the contrast between their whistles and the officers’ firearms. The family has chosen not to engage with inquiries from The Associated Press. Their focus remains on commemorating Renee Nicole Good, with the legal team planning to disclose their findings progressively due to perceived lack of information available to the community.