Family Demands Accountability Following Fatal Shootings by DHS Agents

The family of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis on January 7, 2023, is urging for accountability and reform within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). During an emotional forum held in Washington, D.C., on January 31, Good’s brothers shared their grief and called for changes in immigration enforcement practices that they believe have led to unnecessary violence.

Good’s death prompted widespread protests and heightened scrutiny of the administration’s immigration policies. The subsequent fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Customs and Border Protection officers on January 24 further intensified calls for reform. Lawmakers, including Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Robert Garcia, voiced their concerns about the use of force by federal agents and emphasized the need for accountability within the DHS.

At the public forum, Luke Ganger expressed deep sorrow over his sister’s death, which he described as “violent and unnecessary.” He stated, “The deep distress our family feels because of Nee’s loss is complicated by feelings of disbelief, distress, and desperation for change.” Alongside him, Brent Ganger shared heartfelt memories of their sister, illustrating her positive impact on those around her. “Renee had a way of showing up in the world that made you believe things were going to be okay,” he said.

The forum included testimonies from individuals impacted by aggressive DHS tactics. Marimar Martinez, shot five times by a Border Patrol agent in Chicago, recounted her traumatic experience. She described being rushed to the hospital with inadequate medical attention and later accused of assaulting law enforcement with her vehicle. Her charges were ultimately dismissed in November 2022.

Martinez said, “I was losing this battle. I saw my life flash before me and slowly began to think, ‘This is the end of me.’” Her case exemplifies a growing concern about the treatment of civilians by federal authorities. “These are not isolated mistakes. They are a clear pattern,” Garcia asserted, referring to over 470 incidents of questionable force documented by Democratic lawmakers.

The DHS has faced significant criticism for its handling of encounters with civilians. In a statement, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin claimed Good’s actions led to “dangerous, and in this case deadly, consequences.” She described the situation as “entirely preventable,” alleging that Good failed to comply with officer commands. This statement was met with skepticism from those at the forum, including Blumenthal, who stated, “They were murdered by their own government. They were killed in cold blood.”

The Justice Department has initiated a federal civil rights investigation into Pretti’s death, reflecting the gravity of the situation. In a response to public outcry, DHS reassigned Gregory Bovino, a Border Patrol commander involved in violent encounters, while also indicating plans for a reduction of federal agents’ presence in Minneapolis. This was contradicted shortly thereafter by President Donald Trump, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the administration regarding immigration enforcement.

As the testimonies unfolded, it became clear that the impact of these incidents extends beyond the individuals involved. Families are left grappling with loss and trauma, and communities are questioning the safety and accountability of law enforcement agencies. The emotional pleas from Good’s family and other victims of DHS tactics serve as a stark reminder of the human cost behind immigration enforcement policies that many now deem in need of urgent reform.

The ongoing discussions reflect a profound need for change in how federal agencies engage with communities, especially in sensitive situations involving vulnerable populations. As the forum concluded, the call for reform and accountability resonated strongly among participants, echoing a broader demand for justice and transparency within the DHS.