The family of Renee Good, who was tragically shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis earlier this year, has expressed their frustration regarding the lack of communication from the White House. Good died on January 7, at the age of 37, while sitting in her car, following a routine morning drop-off of her six-year-old child at school.
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In a recent interview, Good’s brother, Brett Ganger, revealed that they have not received any outreach from President Donald Trump or his administration since the incident. He shared their decision to hire private investigators to ensure a thorough and transparent inquiry into her death. “There’s a reason that we hired our own investigators—to make sure that the truth is transparent and available,” Brett stated, underlining the family’s determination to understand the circumstances surrounding Good’s untimely passing.
Contrary to the family’s silence, President Trump addressed the shooting during a press conference on January 20, emphasising that he had been informed of Good’s father’s support for his administration. “I hope he still is, but I don’t know,” Trump remarked, referencing Tim Ganger’s previous alleged support for his presidency. However, the family’s response has been one of disappointment, feeling sidelined during a time when they seek clarity and acknowledgment of their loss.
Vice President JD Vance characterised the events leading to Good’s death as an assault on both federal law enforcement and the American populace. His remarks, however, have done little to comfort the grieving family, who have described themselves as a diverse political unit that, despite differences, has always supported one another with love and respect. “We vote differently and we rarely completely agree on the finer details of what it means to be a citizen of this country,” said Luke Ganger, another brother of Renee, in his testimony before Congress.
Good’s mother, Donna Ganger, reflected on her daughter’s positive influence and the impact of her loss. She stated, “She had this way of making you feel special and loved that I didn’t even understand until we lost her.” The family is processing their grief and grappling with the surreal nature of how Renee died, with Brent Ganger noting it feels “unreal still” that his sister could die in such a violent manner.
On the day of the shooting, Good was with her wife, Becca, and their dog when she was confronted by an ICE agent, later identified as Jonathan Ross. Footage from the incident, which was later released, shows Good’s car reversing and then moving forward, just before multiple gunshots were fired. Although the family has been aware of the video’s existence, they have chosen not to view it. Brent explained his reluctance to watch, saying, “I can’t bring myself to do that,” while Tim added that they have consciously opted to avoid it.
In the aftermath of Renee’s death, a civil investigation has been initiated by the Chicago-based law firm Romanucci & Blandin, representing her family. This legal action aims to seek justice for Good and ensure accountability for the actions of the ICE agent involved.
The family’s ordeal highlights a broader conversation about the actions of federal law enforcement agencies and their impact on communities across the United States. Following Good’s tragic shooting, federal agents have continued operations in Minnesota, raising concerns amongst those living in the area. Just weeks later, another incident occurred when a border patrol agent shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, further igniting discussions about the procedures and conduct of federal agents during their operations.
As the Ganger family seeks answers, they remain steadfast in their belief that their shared memories of Renee will ultimately overshadow any external narratives that emerge regarding her death. Luke poignantly stated, “We’re the ones who know Renee. No one else knows Renee, and those other things aren’t going to change that.”
The personal tragedy experienced by the Ganger family underscores the human cost of such violent encounters and emphasises the urgent need for thorough investigations and systemic changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.