‘Violent and Unnecessary’: Renee Good’s Brothers Testify on Capitol Hill, Demand Answers After ICE Shooting

Brent and Luke Ganger testified on Feb. 3 at a Capitol Hill hearing about the Jan. 7 fatal shooting of their sister, Renee "Nae" Good, by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis. The brothers described deep family grief, frustration that the killing has not produced meaningful changes in enforcement tactics, and the difficulty of explaining the incident to young children.

Brothers Describe Anguish and Call for Change

At the hearing convened by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Luke Ganger said the family’s hope that Renee’s death would catalyze reform has so far gone unrealized. He told lawmakers the loss has left the family in 'deep distress' and that community encounters with federal agents are 'changing the community and changing many lives, including ours, forever.'

'The deep distress our family feels because of Nae's loss in such a violent and unnecessary way is complicated by feelings of disbelief, distress and desperation for change,' Luke testified. 'I still don't know how to explain to my 4-year-old what these agents are doing when we pass by.'

Remembering Renee

Brent Ganger read from a eulogy he delivered on Jan. 31, recalling Renee’s warmth and optimism. He compared her to dandelions pushing through cracks in the sidewalk — small, persistent signs of beauty and hope — and described how she poured love into her children and family.

'When I think of Renee, I think of dandelions and sunlight,' Brent read. 'Renee had a way of showing up in the world that made you believe things were going to be okay... She chose to look for what was good, what was possible and what was worth loving.'

Context And Reaction

According to testimony, Renee Good was shot and killed in her SUV by ICE agent Jonathan Rosson on Jan. 7 after she and her partner had dropped their 6-year-old at school and paused to observe law enforcement activity. Good was a mother of three. Her death and the killing of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti — both incidents captured on video — prompted public outrage and fresh calls for accountability amid heightened federal immigration enforcement.

Within hours of the shooting, President Donald Trump initially said Good 'violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE officer.' He later softened his comments, calling both shootings 'terrible' in subsequent remarks. Lawmakers and family members used the hearing to press for answers, policy review and greater transparency about federal enforcement tactics in communities.

Aftermath

The brothers’ testimony emphasized the human toll of the encounter — not only the loss of Renee’s life, but the emotional scars felt by children and neighbors. They urged lawmakers to remember who Renee was and to pursue changes that might prevent similar tragedies.