Minneapolis, Minnesota — The U.S. Department of Justice has determined there is no current basis to open a criminal civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, a decision that has intensified political tension and prompted multiple resignations within the department.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said Tuesday that federal officials found no grounds for a civil rights probe into the Jan. 7 shooting, in which ICE agent Jonathan Ross fired on Good as she moved her vehicle forward during an encounter. Administration officials have described the shooting as an act of self-defense and characterized Good’s actions as domestic terrorism, statements that fueled public backlash after video of the incident spread widely online.
The decision to exclude the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division from the case marks a departure from past practice, where federal civil rights prosecutors often quickly review law enforcement shootings. According to officials familiar with the matter, Civil Rights Division attorneys were told last week they would not participate, leading to the resignation of at least four senior prosecutors in the division. Several federal prosecutors in Minnesota, including First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson, also resigned amid concerns over political pressure.
The FBI is leading the investigation and has blocked Minnesota state authorities from accessing evidence, asserting exclusive federal jurisdiction. State officials and Democratic lawmakers criticized the move, warning it undermines transparency and public trust. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar said the departures raise serious concerns about politicization inside the Justice Department.
The Justice Department said the resignations were unrelated to the case, citing previously planned retirements.
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