Billionaire Bill Ackman has joined more than 8,000 contributors to a contentious online fundraiser supporting Jonathan Ross, the federal immigration officer involved in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. As reported on January 13, Ackman’s donation of $10,000 is part of more than $660,000 raised by a GoFundMe campaign launched by Clyde Emmons on January 9.
Ross, who serves as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, is under scrutiny following the incident that led to Good’s death. Ackman has stated his rationale for supporting Ross is based on his belief that Ross will require substantial resources for his legal defense. Although he expressed support for Good’s own GoFundMe campaign, which has reached its goal of $1.5 million, Ackman refrained from commenting on the nature of the case beyond stating that he hopes a thorough investigation will clarify Ross’s innocence or guilt.
The GoFundMe campaign for Ross, which emphasizes the officer’s justification for the shooting, has not yet been verified by the platform. Emmons, the organizer, argues that Ross deserves the financial backing given his military service and experience in law enforcement.
The shooting incident has drawn public outcry, with local leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, calling for an end to ICE activities in the city. Frey stated that the presence of federal immigration enforcement has contributed to unrest and insecurity in the community. As protests erupted, officials from various levels of government have voiced their disapproval of the situation.
While some legislators are advocating for Ross’s arrest, no charges have been filed as of January 12. Legal experts suggest that federal prosecution seems improbable, especially after public statements from senior government officials have characterized the shooting as self-defense. GoFundMe has confirmed that it is reviewing the situation and has temporarily withheld funds pending verification.
Amid the complexities surrounding this event, Ackman’s involvement underscores a broader conversation about the challenges of legal defense funding in high-stakes cases and the implications of public opinion on the legal process. The influx of donations reflects varied perspectives on the incident and highlights the ongoing national debate over the role of federal immigration officers.