Renee Good’s tragic death in January, following a shooting by an ICE agent, has raised significant concern among her family and community. The Trump administration labeled the incident as “an act of domestic terrorism,” but this hasn’t led to a thorough investigation into the officer’s actions. Instead, the Justice Department halted its inquiry, leaving local investigators in the dark.
Good’s family, including her partner Becca, felt they needed to find answers themselves. They sought out the same legal team that represented the family of George Floyd, who died under the knee of a police officer in Minneapolis in 2020. They aimed for transparency and accountability, something the community felt was lacking.
The law firm, Romanucci & Blandin, has a track record—it secured a record $27 million settlement in the Floyd case, which was the largest pretrial settlement for a wrongful death civil rights case. They are now focused on Good’s case, emphasizing the need to preserve evidence related to her death.
This month, the attorneys notified various federal agencies about their intent to pursue legal action against ICE agent Jonathan Ross, who fired the shots. They highlight concerns over excessive force and negligence in their claims. Antonio Romanucci, the family’s attorney, stressed the importance of examining all circumstances surrounding the incident, not just viewing videos in isolation.
Romanucci noted that suing the federal government is significantly more complicated than suing a city, as seen in the Floyd case. Legal proceedings against federal entities often require navigating a complex system, where many traditional rights don’t apply. For instance, most lawsuits must go through a long claims process, which can take months, delaying access to evidence crucial to the case.
Historically, it was almost impossible for citizens to sue the U.S. government for harm caused by its employees prior to the 1946 Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This act allowed people to seek compensation, but it imposed strict rules. Today, plaintiffs must file initial claims and negotiate before even stepping into court, a process that can stretch out, as noted by Paul Figley, a law expert. This lengthy procedure can frustrate victims seeking justice.
Good’s lawyers are interested in a variety of evidence, including details from the vehicle involved in the shooting and statements made by Ross. They argue that context from available video footage will be essential for establishing the facts.
The current administration has shown little interest in deepening the investigation into Good’s death. Vice President JD Vance claimed that Ross is shielded by “absolute immunity,” a statement that has faced pushback from legal analysts. This raises concerns about the family’s ability to secure any meaningful pre-lawsuit deal, which would require higher-level approvals within the Justice Department.
The path toward accountability is murky. If negotiations fail, the family will likely pursue litigation, but challenges remain. Under the FTCA, federal lawsuits must be filed in federal court, and the process can revolve around whether officers acted within reasonable bounds of their duties during the incident. Administration officials have already suggested that Ross believed his life was at risk when he fired his weapon, which poses a significant defense.
While federal law could complicate a lawsuit against Ross personally, he might still be named in civil rights cases. However, winning such cases can be daunting; the government often wields significant immunity. “Most officers don’t have enough money to make it worthwhile,” Figley adds, reflecting on the challenges victims face in these legal battles.
Recent Supreme Court rulings have granted immigration officers extensive protections against lawsuits. Romanucci acknowledges the uphill battle but emphasizes that the primary goal remains clear: unveiling the truth behind Renee Good’s shooting. “People care deeply about what happened,” he states, reflecting a wider commitment to justice and accountability.
