Rebecca Good speaks out
Rebecca “Becca” Good, wife of Renee Nicole Good, has finally shared her thoughts following her partner’s death during a confrontation with ICE agents in Minneapolis. On January 7, Renee, a 37-year-old mother of three, was fatally shot after federal agents confronted her vehicle. The incident sparked nationwide outrage and an ongoing federal investigation.
Family gratitude and public support
In a statement to Minnesota Public Radio News on January 9, Becca thanked the public for their overwhelming support. A GoFundMe campaign for Renee’s family surpassed $1.5 million from nearly 38,000 donors, helping support Becca and the couple’s children.
She described Renee as a woman whose defining trait was kindness that “radiated out of her.” Becca added, “Any place we were together was home. Minneapolis felt like a place of peace and safety. That has been taken from me forever.”
Tragic morning and deadly encounter
According to Becca and multiple reports, the fatal encounter occurred shortly after Renee had dropped their six-year-old son off at school. While driving home, the couple encountered ICE agents operating in their neighborhood.
“On Wednesday, January 7th, we stopped to support our neighbors,” Becca said. “We had whistles. They had g*ns.”
Video from the scene shows an ICE agent attempting to open Renee’s SUV door. As she tried to drive away, Agent Jonathan E. Ross moved in front of the vehicle and fired three shots, striking Renee in the head. The SUV then crashed into nearby parked cars.
In the immediate aftermath, Becca admitted she felt responsible for encouraging Renee to stop. “I made her come down here; it’s my fault,” she said.
Federal and local tensions
Federal authorities claim the agent acted in self-defense, alleging Renee “weaponized” her vehicle. However, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called this explanation “bllsht,” saying the video shows an agent recklessly using power. Governor Tim Walz also demanded a full, transparent investigation.
The FBI has since opened a formal inquiry, while state and county officials are seeking access to Renee’s vehicle and forensic evidence.
Remembering Renee
Becca focused much of her statement on Renee’s life and legacy. She remembered her as a mother, wife, poet, and compassionate advocate. Renee’s mother, Donna Ganger, told reporters, “Renee was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known.”
Even Renee’s former brother-in-law, Joseph Macklin, reflected on the tragedy, saying she had unnecessarily exposed herself to danger.
Becca concluded, emphasizing that Renee’s life should not be defined by the violence of her passing:
“We honor her memory by living her values—rejecting hate, choosing compassion, turning away from fear, pursuing peace, refusing division, and coming together to build a world where we all come home safe to the people we love.”
Ongoing impact
Renee’s death has left a grieving family and a community questioning federal immigration enforcement tactics and the use of lethal force during civilian encounters. Becca’s statement offers both personal closure and a call to uphold the values Renee lived by, even amid national scrutiny and legal battles.
