In brief
In Minneapolis, ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Good as she attempted to flee from federal officers. Ross, an Iraq War veteran and experienced deportation officer, claims he acted in self-defense. The shooting has led to protests and demands for criminal charges against him, while federal officials defend his actions as consistent with his training. The FBI is currently investigating the incident, which has reignited debates over the use of force by federal agents in immigration enforcement.
The federal agent who shot and killed a driver in Minneapolis is an Iraq War veteran with nearly two decades of service in the Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), records obtained by the Associated Press reveal.
Identified as Jonathan Ross, who fatally shot Renee Good on Wednesday, has worked as a deportation officer since 2015. He suffered serious injuries last summer when he was dragged by a vehicle belonging to a fleeing suspect he attempted to apprehend.
Although federal officials have not publicly named the officer involved in the shooting of Good, 37, it was confirmed by Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem that she referred to Ross, citing a past incident where he was injured while executing his duties. Good was shot as she attempted to drive away from federal agents, and official statements indicate that the agent believed his life was in danger.
Concerns have arisen regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting, with video evidence raising questions about whether the actions taken by Ross were justified. An FBI investigation into the incident is ongoing. Meanwhile, there are growing calls for Ross to face criminal charges, and Minnesota authorities have indicated they will also conduct their own probe.
Attempts to contact Ross for comments were unsuccessful.
Background on Jonathan Ross
Ross has a robust military and law enforcement background. According to testimony, he served with the Indiana National Guard from 2004 to 2005 in Iraq, where he worked as a machine gunner in combat patrols. After returning from Iraq, he joined the Border Patrol in 2007 and transitioned to ICE in 2015 to focus on fugitive operations.
During his service, Ross has taken on multiple roles, including serving as a firearms instructor and participating in FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. His extensive experience in law enforcement has drawn attention, especially following the dramatic events leading to Good's death.
Prior Incident Leading to Injuries
Last June, Ross was seriously injured during an operation aimed at arresting a man illegally present in the U.S. Reports indicate that during this operation, he attempted to stop the suspect's vehicle but ended up being dragged, causing significant injuries that required surgical attention.
The individual he tried to apprehend was subsequently arrested and convicted for assaulting a federal officer.
Federal Defense vs Public Outcry
Officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance, have publicly defended the actions of Ross, stating that he deserves commendation for his service and bravery under threat. Vance remarked that Ross acted according to his training under dangerous conditions.
DHS Assistant Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the importance of keeping Ross's identity confidential for his safety and reassured that he had undergone extensive training as part of ICE’s special response team.
This incident is now part of a larger dialogue about the use of force by federal agents, the consequences of such actions, and the responsibility to ensure accountability, as protestors and community members seek justice for Good's untimely death.
