The family of Renee Good has filed lawsuits against the U.S. government and immigration officials, following Renee’s death last January at the hands of a federal agent during an immigration crackdown in Minnesota. Renee’s father Tim Ganger, mother Donna Ganger, and brothers Luke and Brent Ganger, were present at a news conference on October 1, 2026, in Minneapolis to announce the legal actions.
Two civil lawsuits have been filed. The first, against the federal government, claims a violation of Renee’s civil rights. It asserts that Jonathan Ross, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer who killed Renee, used excessive force in violation of the agency’s policies and the Fourth Amendment. The family seeks damages for the suffering Renee experienced and for her partner, Becca Good, who witnessed the tragedy and endured intense emotional distress.
On the day of the incident, Ross shot Renee several times in her car, with federal officials initially claiming she weaponized her vehicle. However, video evidence contradicts this account. The second lawsuit alleges a conspiracy by federal officials to infringe upon the civil rights of Minnesota residents, asserting Renee’s death resulted from a coordinated effort targeting Somali and Hispanic communities. The legal team referenced the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871 to support this claim.
Rachel Moran, a law professor at the University of St. Thomas, remarked that the lawsuit’s approach is unusual. She noted the administration’s use of conspiracy charges against protesters and suggested the Good family’s legal team is adopting a similar strategy to challenge federal officials.
Ben Berkman, representing the family, explained dual purposes of the lawsuits: addressing Renee’s shooting and questioning the motives placing officers there. The lawsuits implicate several officials, including Ross, and notable figures like White House adviser Stephen Miller and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Attempts to reach the Department of Homeland Security were unanswered, but White House spokesperson Lauren Bis asserted the lawsuits are without merit and would be contested vigorously.
Despite the lawsuits’ filing, criminal charges remain absent. The civil cases highlight a need for broader accountability. Since President Trump resumed office, nine deaths by immigration agents, including Renee’s, have occurred without visible official inquiry.
State and local officials in Minnesota have yet to file charges or release investigation details. Hennepin County representatives assured ongoing evidence reviews.
Frustration pervades Renee’s family due to the perceived lack of accountability. At the press event, Brent Ganger emphasized the necessity of institutional accountability and change, declaring their intent to pursue justice for the injustice experienced by the family.
Renée’s partner, Becca Good, also voiced her loss during her recent public appearance. Renee was not only a partner but the mother of three, with Renee actively engaged in her children’s lives. Becca shared her emotional struggle and the isolating experience of parenting their six-year-old without Renee’s presence.