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Federal probe faces challenges in Minneapolis shooting case
Federal investigators are examining whether an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent was justified in fatally shooting a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis last week, as sharply divergent narratives from local and national officials fuel tensions.
Conflicting narratives emerge
Renee Good, a mother of three, was killed after ICE agent Jonathan Ross fired at her while she sat in her burgundy Honda in a residential neighborhood. The incident, captured on multiple videos, has sparked nationwide protests.
President Donald Trump and his administration labeled Good a "domestic terrorist" who attempted to run over Ross, while Minnesota officials contend she was trying to leave the scene. Videos show agents approaching the car, with one tugging at the driver's door before Ross shot Good as the vehicle moved forward.
State authorities argue the footage proves Good posed no threat, as the car turned away from the agent. Federal officials counter that the videos demonstrate Good was driving toward Ross, leaving him no choice but to use deadly force.
Legal standards under scrutiny
Investigators will assess Ross's actions against the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) use-of-force policy, which permits deadly force if an agent believes they face imminent death or serious injury. A specific clause bars firing at moving vehicles unless the driver poses a direct threat and no other reasonable defense exists.
"From the officer's perspective, all he knows is that the car is about to hit him," said Ken Gray, a former FBI agent and University of New Haven professor.
Ken Gray, former FBI agent
Gray noted that Good may not have intended to strike Ross, but the agent's split-second judgment will be a key factor. Ross was previously injured in a similar confrontation months earlier, which experts say could influence his perception of the threat.
Political pressure complicates inquiry
Former law enforcement officials warn that public statements from Trump administration figures-including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Vice President JD Vance, and Trump himself-could undermine the probe's impartiality. All three declared the shooting justified before the investigation concluded.
"When officials say it's justified before the facts are in, that's where problems arise," said Robert D'Amico, a former FBI special agent.
Robert D'Amico, former FBI special agent
D'Amico questioned whether a federal review board could rule against the shooting's justification given the administration's stance. He also raised concerns about Ross firing multiple shots after the car pulled away, which may be harder to defend.
Investigation scope and local backlash
The FBI will examine physical and digital reconstructions of the scene, witness accounts, and background details on both Ross and Good. Minnesota officials, barred from participating in the federal probe, have launched their own review and are suing the federal government over ICE's presence in the state.
Governor Tim Walz criticized the federal investigation as potentially biased, while experts note that federal jurisdiction supersedes state authority in cases involving federal officers. The case's political dimensions have intensified calls for transparency.
Experts weigh justification
While some former agents believe the shooting may be deemed justified under DHS policy, others caution that legal justification does not always equate to best practice.
"Just because you can take the shot doesn't mean you should," D'Amico said.
Robert D'Amico, former FBI special agent
The outcome of the federal review could have far-reaching implications for use-of-force policies and public trust in law enforcement.
