The family of Renee Good expressed their deep sorrow and unresolved feelings following her tragic death in January, after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot her in Minneapolis. They described enduring “agonizing hours in limbo” as they awaited information about her condition, with her brother Brent Ganger recalling the shock of the news. “There’s just no way to even prepare yourself to hear that,” he shared in an interview.
Good’s mother, Donna Ganger, recounted the distressing moment she received the call informing her of her daughter’s death. Hearing the news from her son, she struggled to accept it, repeatedly saying, “no.” The family’s grief has been compounded by the comments made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who referred to Good’s actions as “an act of domestic terrorism.” Luke Ganger reflected on the extreme disconnect between Noem’s words and his sister’s peaceful nature, stating, “Those words are just so far removed from who she was as a person.”
In the aftermath of the shooting, Good’s family chose to refrain from watching online footage, focusing instead on preserving her memory. They remembered her as a calming presence, often diffusing tense situations, and someone who could brighten any room with her positivity. “She made you feel like you are the most important thing in her life,” said Donna.
The Ganger family, representing a diverse array of political beliefs, found it difficult to reconcile their differing views with the narrative surrounding Good’s death. Tim Ganger, who voted for former President Trump, refuted claims suggesting his daughter may have been an aggressor during the incident. “Absolutely not,” Brent reiterated.
In their grief, the family is committed to honoring Good by remembering her laughter, singing, and affectionate nature. However, they also emphasized the necessity for accountability in her shooting. Donna Ganger stressed that an in-depth investigation is essential, and while they are unsure who should be held responsible, they call for systemic changes to prevent future tragedies.
The family was further distraught to learn of another fatal incident involving an ICU nurse shot by Customs and Border Protection agents shortly after Good’s death. Brent Ganger lamented, “Something is broken and something needs to be fixed,” underscoring the urgent need for reform to ensure such events do not occur again. Their heartbreaking experience serves as a reminder of the profound human impact behind the statistics often surrounding law enforcement encounters and immigration policies.