Minneapolis, Minnesota — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer Jonathan Ross has been identified as the agent who fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good during an operation in the city on Wednesday, according to court records and sources within federal law enforcement. The shooting occurred as Good attempted to flee in her vehicle from an ICE operation near the intersection of Portland Avenue and East 34th Street. Authorities have labeled her a “domestic terrorist,” alleging that she aimed to harm ICE officers.
During a press briefing at the White House, Vice President JD Vance discussed Ross’s response to a previous violent encounter he experienced last summer when he was dragged by a suspect’s vehicle, sustaining significant injuries. Vance referred to Ross’s sensitivity stemming from that incident, which resulted in numerous stitches for his injuries.
Further details reveal that Ross’s earlier confrontation involved Roberto Carlos Muñoz-Guatemala, who faced charges for attempting to evade law enforcement while driving illegally. According to court documents, Ross suffered extensive injuries when he tried to apprehend Muñoz-Guatemala and was dragged approximately 100 yards as the suspect sped away.
Reports indicate that Ross received a total of 33 stitches for his injuries, which included lacerations and scrapes to various parts of his body. In a recent trial, Muñoz-Guatemala was convicted of assaulting a federal officer, but sentencing has not yet been carried out.
Ross, who has over a decade of service with ICE, is part of the agency’s Special Response Team (SRT), designated for tactical situations. Qualifications for the SRT include extensive training in firearms and tactical maneuvers. Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin highlighted Ross’s experience during a recent press conference, reaffirming that he acted in accordance with his training during the incident.
During the operation that led to Good’s death, the Federal officials maintained that Ross was compelled to act in self-defense, asserting that he was struck by Good’s vehicle prior to the shooting. However, bystander footage of the incident raises questions, as it does not appear to show substantial contact between Good’s vehicle and Ross.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem affirmed that Ross’s actions were justified to protect his life and the safety of his colleagues. She emphasized the agency’s support for Ross, stating that a thorough review of the incident would confirm adherence to protocol in a high-stakes situation.
The circumstances surrounding Good’s death continue to stir controversy, prompting discussions about the use of force within law enforcement agencies and the implications of labeling individuals as threats. The investigation remains ongoing as officials review footage and eyewitness accounts to compile a fuller narrative of the events that unfolded Wednesday.