Renee Good suits: 2 Bold Filings After a Tragic Death

Federal courthouse in Nashville, an illustrative image for the Renee Good suits report

The Renee Good suits filed Oct. 1 seek damages from the U.S. government and several current and former federal officials after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot her in Minneapolis. Her family brought two civil complaints in Minnesota federal court, according to its attorneys.

Good died Jan. 7 after ICE officer Jonathan Ross fired into her SUV. The filings allege that the force used against her was unjustified and that federal officials coordinated a discriminatory enforcement campaign. Those allegations have not been established by a court.

Renee Good suits name different defendants

Romanucci & Blandin’s announcement identifies Brent Ganger, Good’s brother and a trustee for her next of kin, and her partner, Becca Good, as plaintiffs. One complaint names only the United States and seeks recovery under the Federal Tort Claims Act.

The second complaint names Ross and officials including Stephen Miller, Kristi Noem and Tom Homan. It also lists Corey Lewandowski, Todd Lyons, Gregory Bovino and 10 unidentified federal agents. It alleges a conspiracy aimed at Somali and Hispanic communities and people who observed or challenged the immigration operation.

The two Renee Good suits therefore pursue different legal claims. The family’s lawyers are asking for compensation and accountability; filing the complaints does not settle whether any defendant is liable.

Federal courthouse in Nashville, an illustrative image for the Renee Good suits report
Illustrative image: a federal courthouse in Nashville. Photo: Antony-22 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) License.

What the administration says

The White House disputes the cases. Axios reported that spokeswoman Lauren Bis said the administration would vigorously defend against them and called the lawsuits baseless.

The administration previously defended Ross’ actions. The family argues that the shooting violated Good’s rights. This civil litigation asks the court to address those competing positions; it does not amount to a criminal conviction.

What comes next

The Renee Good suits were newly filed when this report was prepared Oct. 1. Responses from the defendants and subsequent court rulings will determine how the claims proceed. Any later developments should be checked against the docket before publication.

Related coverage: Lifestyles and Special Interests.

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