Parents Share Memories of Daughter Killed in Minneapolis Immigration Raid

The family of 37-year-old Renee Good, fatally shot by an immigration officer in Minneapolis on January 7, spoke with reporters about their daughter's loving nature and hopes her death will inspire unity. Good was a mother of three who had recently moved to Minneapolis and was working as a substitute teacher when she was killed during federal immigration enforcement operations.

The parents of a woman fatally shot during immigration enforcement activities in Minneapolis are sharing fond memories of their daughter while hoping her tragic death can bring about positive change.

Renee Good, 37, had a passion for celebrations, glittery things, and bringing joy to others around her. Her mother, Donna Ganger, described her daughter’s unique ability to make people feel valued during a Friday interview with Associated Press reporters in Denver.

“She had this way of making you feel special and loved that I didn’t even understand that until we lost her,” Donna Ganger reflected about her daughter, who died January 7 when an immigration officer opened fire during federal operations in Minneapolis.

Tim Ganger, Good’s father, characterized his daughter as someone who was “slow to anger, quick to love, quick to care,” adding “That’s the essence of who she was.”

The mother of three was among those killed during widespread immigration raids that swept through Minneapolis, triggering demonstrations throughout the area. Her death, along with that of another American citizen Alex Pretti in the following weeks, generated nationwide anger and demands for immigration enforcement reform.

Good’s parents, along with her brothers Brent and Luke Ganger, sat down with AP reporters Friday for an extensive conversation about their loss.

“It’s going to be hard in the future,” Donna Ganger expressed. “It’s going to be kind of a constant pain.”

According to her family, Good had completed her college education as an adult learner and was serving as a volunteer in local schools while working as a substitute teacher at the time of her death.

“She was working so hard to get her education, and then she was finally able to use it, and I could just tell how happy she was and how fulfilled,” her mother recalled.

The family expressed their desire that Good’s death and their public discussion of her life might encourage positive transformation in a divided nation.

Luke Ganger told Congress that their family represents “a very American blend,” explaining “We vote differently, and we rarely completely agree on the finer details of what it means to be a citizen of this country.”

Despite their differences, “we have always treated each other with love and respect,” he testified.

The family believes they might encourage others to find common ground, they said during Friday’s interview.

“Our purpose through this whole tragic, difficult, unbelievable time, is to have something good come out of this,” Tim Ganger explained. “Otherwise the senselessness of this is overwhelming.”

While the family chose not to elaborate on their political disagreements, Donna Ganger mentioned seeking spiritual guidance, saying “Before all this happened I said ‘Make me a wise woman.'”

“Sometimes I’m just silly, you know, and I joke with them and I’m goofy,” she shared, her voice heavy with grief. “But I want to be able to talk about hard things — and that’s hard sometimes with your own family to talk about hard things that maybe you don’t agree on. And I don’t want there to be any hardships between us or hurt.”

“But it’s important that we learn to be careful with our words, but share them in a deep way,” she continued. “It’s really important.”

According to Good’s partner, Becca Good, they had pulled over on the morning of the fatal incident to show solidarity with neighbors during an immigration enforcement action as raids and demonstrations erupted citywide.

Footage reveals Renee Good positioned in a red SUV, partially blocking the roadway while repeatedly sounding her horn.

Two immigration agents exited their vehicle, with one commanding Good to open her door. She backed up momentarily before turning the wheel as the officer repeated, “get out of the car.” At nearly the same moment, Becca Good, who was standing in the street, yelled, “drive, baby, drive!”

As Good began moving forward, an ICE agent positioned in front of her vehicle drew his firearm and discharged at least two rounds into the car, fatally wounding Good.

Good had recently moved to Minneapolis from Kansas City, Missouri, with her 6-year-old son and partner — the couple wasn’t legally wed but considered themselves married, according to family legal counsel — settling in a quiet residential area known for its activist community.

On social media platforms, Good identified herself as a “poet and writer and wife and mom.” Her Pinterest profile featured a smiling photo of her embracing a young child, alongside posts about body art, hair styling, and interior design.