MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — Minnesota prosecutors face mounting political and legal obstacles in any potential prosecution of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, as the Trump administration moves to centralize control of the investigation at the federal level.
Almost immediately after the shooting, federal officials declared the officer acted in self-defense, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem describing the killing as a justified response to an attempted vehicular attack. That assessment was echoed by President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, despite video footage that local officials say contradicts claims that the officer was in imminent danger.
Soon after the incident, the U.S. Attorney’s Office removed the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension from the investigation, leaving the FBI as the sole investigative agency. The BCA typically handles officer-involved shootings in the state and had already begun collecting evidence alongside federal agents. Superintendent Drew Evans said the agency withdrew after losing access to evidence and witnesses needed to meet Minnesota’s investigative standards.
Gov. Tim Walz said excluding state authorities undermines confidence in the outcome, warning that conclusions are being drawn before a full, independent investigation. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said her office is exploring ways to continue a state-level probe but acknowledged the difficulty without federal cooperation.
Even if state prosecutors bring charges, the case could be removed to federal court, where the officer may claim immunity under the Supremacy Clause. Legal experts note such prosecutions are rare but possible if the use of force is deemed unreasonable, a determination that could take years to resolve.
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