In brief
Luke and Brett Ganger, the brothers of Renee Good who was fatally shot by federal officers, called on Congress to address violence stemming from immigration enforcement. Their emotional testimony during a congressional hearing highlighted the profound impact of their sister's death and the urgent need for policy reform.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The brothers of Renee Good, one of two U.S. citizens killed by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, called on Congress to take action against the violence originating from immigration operations. They cautioned that the ongoing violence is 'changing many lives, including ours, forever.'
Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed on January 7, an incident that, along with the death of Alex Pretti weeks later, has spurred national outrage and prompted calls for stricter immigration enforcement regulations.
During a somber congressional hearing held by Democrats to spotlight recent use-of-force incidents by the Department of Homeland Security, brothers Luke and Brett Ganger shared their grief and concerns. Luke expressed the ‘deep distress’ their family is experiencing after losing their sister in such a violent manner but did not specify exact reforms they seek from Congress.
“The completely surreal scenes taking place on the streets of Minneapolis are beyond explanation. This is not just a bad day or a rough week—these encounters with federal agents are reshaping the community and impacting many lives, including ours, indefinitely,” Luke stated.
The forum was spearheaded by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) to address use-of-force complaints against Homeland Security officers involved in the enforcement of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation policies. Trump administration officials alleged that Good attempted to run over an officer, a claim which has been disputed by local authorities and protesters.
While the Ganger brothers refrained from delving into their sister's controversial death details, they emphasized her life and the impact of her loss. Luke articulated their mission to convey the beauty of their sister’s character—“a sister, a daughter, a mother, a partner, and a friend.”
Brett shared a moving tribute from his sister’s eulogy, likening her to dandelions that thrive in unexpected places, stating, “She believed tomorrow could be better than today. She believed that kindness mattered. And she lived that belief.”
The panel also featured testimonies from other U.S. citizens who recounted their negative experiences with Homeland Security officers.
