The family of Renee Nicole Good has accused U.S. federal immigration officers of causing the death of the Minneapolis mother while she was following their instructions. They have retained the services of the law firm that represented George Floyd’s family to seek clarity and responsibility. Good’s loved ones emphasized that she should be remembered as a promoter of peace and urged the public not to politicize her passing. The law firm, Romanucci & Blandin, stated that they will share details from their investigation in the upcoming weeks.
This decision by the family to engage legal representation coincides with the U.S. Justice Department’s announcement that they do not see grounds to initiate a federal civil rights inquiry into the incident involving a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. The FBI is currently investigating Good’s death. The Trump administration has supported the actions of the ICE officer, claiming it was self-defense as he fired while positioned in front of Good’s moving vehicle. However, this explanation has been criticized by various officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, based on video evidence of the altercation.
Several federal prosecutors in Minnesota have resigned this week, and multiple supervisors in the criminal division of the civil rights department in Washington have also indicated their intention to leave. The family’s legal representatives have expressed the family’s desire for information regarding the federal operation that occurred on January 7 in the area where Good was killed, the conduct of the officers during the encounter, and the delay in providing medical assistance after the shooting. The identity of the ICE agent who discharged the firearm remains undisclosed.
Recounting the events leading to the tragic incident, Good’s partner, Becca Good, and other family members mentioned that they had just dropped off their child at school and had paused to observe law enforcement activities when they were approached by officers. According to the law firm, Renee Nicole Good seemed to have attempted to maneuver her vehicle away from the agent before the shooting took place, although an official report has not been released.
The legal team emphasized the importance of sharing their findings continuously, as they believe the community is lacking sufficient information. They are now representing Becca Good, as well as Renee Nicole Good’s parents and siblings. Becca Good conveyed in a statement to Minnesota Public Radio that they had stopped to show support for their neighbors, stating, “We had whistles. They had guns.” The family has not responded to inquiries from The Associated Press, and their previous statement focused on commemorating Renee Nicole Good.