Family of Minnepolis Shooting Victim Calls for Immigration Reform

Wed Feb 04 2026 11:06:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Brothers of Renee Good, killed by federal officers, urge Congress to address violence linked to immigration enforcement policies.

In a somber congressional hearing, Luke and Brett Ganger urged lawmakers to confront escalating violence associated with immigration operations after their sister, Renee Good, was fatally shot by federal officers in Minneapolis. The brothers emphasized the need for change in the wake of their sister's tragic death and highlighted its lasting impact on their community and family. The hearing aimed to spotlight the use-of-force incidents by the Department of Homeland Security and the consequences of mass deportation policies.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The brothers of Renee Good, one of two U.S. citizens killed by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, have implored Congress to tackle the violence arising from immigration enforcement operations. They warned of the profound and lasting impacts on families and communities following incidents like their sister's death.

Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot on January 7. Her killing and that of another protester, Alex Pretti, weeks later, sparked nationwide outrage and calls for limitations on immigration enforcement.

Brothers Luke and Brett Ganger spoke during a hearing led by congressional Democrats aimed at highlighting the use-of-force incidents by the Department of Homeland Security as they carry out arrests and deportations. Both brothers shared a somber moment, often comforting one another as they expressed the deep distress caused by their sister's violent death.

Luke Ganger described the “deep distress” felt by the family. He portrayed Good's death as a pivotal moment that should inspire legislative change regarding current immigration operations in Minneapolis. “The completely surreal scenes taking place on the streets of Minneapolis are beyond explanation,” he stated, adding that “these encounters with federal agents are changing the community and changing many lives, including ours, forever.”

The forum, organized by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., aimed to bring attention to complaints regarding use-of-force by Homeland Security officers under President Donald Trump’s mass deportation policy.

Trump administration officials alleged that Good attempted to run over an officer, claims that were contested by state and local leaders in Minneapolis, as well as protesters.

Though the brothers refrained from discussing the specific circumstances surrounding their sister's death or the administration's assertions, they focused on celebrating her life. Luke emphasized the importance of conveying the impact of their loss: “what a beautiful American we have lost. A sister. A daughter. A mother. A partner and a friend.”

Brett shared a moving excerpt from the eulogy he had prepared for Good’s funeral, likening her spirit to a dandelion that beautifies unexpected places. “She believed tomorrow could be better than today. She believed that kindness mattered. And she lived that belief,” he reflected.

Additionally, the panel featured testimonies from other U.S. citizens who shared their experiences with Homeland Security, shedding light on the broader implications of current immigration enforcement practices.