Will ICE officer face charges for Renee Good’s death? Experts say it’s unlikely but not impossible
The fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross has sparked national outrage, but legal experts say bringing criminal charges may be difficult
Renee Good was shot and killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis, leading to public outcry and demands for justice. While the case has drawn national attention, legal experts say it’s unlikely Ross will face charges—though it’s still possible.
Renee Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother, was killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Jonathan Ross on January 9, 2026, during an attempted arrest in Minneapolis. ICE claims Good tried to use her car as a weapon, but video footage from the scene appears to show her trying to drive away.
The footage, which has been widely shared online, shows officers surrounding Good’s vehicle and shouting commands. Her partner can be heard urging her to drive. As the car starts to move, Ross fires three times at close range, killing her.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey strongly criticized the claim that Ross acted in self-defense. “They’re already trying to spin this as an action of self-defense,” Frey said. “Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly — that is bulls**t.”
Jonathan Ross is no stranger to high-stress situations. Just last year, in 2025, he was injured during a separate ICE operation in Bloomington, Minnesota. In that case, he was reportedly dragged by a suspect’s vehicle for more than 100 yards after breaking a car window during a traffic stop. He needed 33 stitches in his arm and hand.
Some believe that incident may have influenced how he responded during the confrontation with Renee Good. But critics argue that his past experience doesn’t justify using deadly force against someone who appeared to be fleeing and was unarmed.
That’s the question many are asking. So far, federal prosecutors have not announced any charges, and legal experts say they’re unlikely to do so. That means any possible prosecution would have to come from Minnesota state officials.
Under the law, it is possible for a state to charge a federal officer, but it’s not easy. Officers like Ross are often protected when they’re performing their duties, and the law gives them some legal immunity unless it can be proven they acted outside the scope of their job.
Legal expert Andrew McCarthy said that if Good was simply trying to get away and not trying to harm anyone, then the shooting could be seen as excessive force. But if her driving is seen as dangerous, then Ross’s actions might be considered legally justified.
BODY CAM – KOMPLETTES VIDEO
Renee Nicole Good blockiert die Straße – auf der Rücksitzbank ihr Hund. ICE Beamter sagt dreimal deutlich, sie soll aussteigen. Ihre Frau filmt und belästigt Beamte, sagt, RNG soll fahren.pic.twitter.com/WT2nx4zk9c
— Miró (@unblogd) January 9, 2026
A detailed report by Lawfare explains that while Minnesota has the authority to prosecute, the legal system gives federal officers strong protection in cases like this.
In another article, Sahan Journal pointed out that these kinds of cases are rarely successful unless there’s clear proof that the officer broke the law.
People across the country have taken to the streets, calling for justice for Renee Good. Her family has hired a well-known civil rights law firm—the same one that represented George Floyd’s family—to help them seek accountability.
At the same time, political leaders remain deeply divided. President Trump and officials at Homeland Security have defended the shooting as necessary, while many Democrats and civil rights advocates say the situation shows the need for better oversight of federal officers.
The FBI is still investigating the case. Minnesota officials have not ruled out charges, but they haven’t made any announcements yet either.
Renee Good’s death has raised tough questions about the power and accountability of federal law enforcement. While her family and supporters continue to push for justice, the legal road ahead is full of challenges.
Whether Jonathan Ross is charged or not, the case has already made a lasting impact and reignited a national conversation about how law enforcement should handle situations like these.
