The father of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent involved in a fatal shooting in Minneapolis has spoken publicly about the incident, defending his son and expressing concern for his well-being. The agent, Jonathan Ross, shot and killed Renee Nicole Good during a federal immigration operation, an event that has ignited protests and renewed scrutiny of federal law enforcement tactics.
Ross, 43, is an Iraq War veteran and longtime federal officer who has spent nearly two decades with agencies including the U.S. Border Patrol and ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations unit. His father, Ed Ross, described him as a devoted husband and father with deeply held religious values, emphasizing that he believes his son acted lawfully and appropriately under the circumstances.
Ed Ross said that during the encounter, Good struck his son and endangered another officer whose arm was caught in her vehicle. He insisted that the shooting was an act of self-defense and expressed confidence that his son would not face criminal charges. Federal authorities have echoed that assessment, stating that Good attempted to use her SUV as a weapon against agents.
According to the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security, Ross fired after Good allegedly tried to ram officers with her vehicle during the Jan. 7 operation in south Minneapolis. Video footage circulating online appears to support claims that agents were threatened, though critics argue the situation escalated unnecessarily.
Despite official statements, the shooting triggered demonstrations and political backlash, with local leaders and community members questioning the use of lethal force. An FBI investigation is ongoing, though legal experts suggest charges against Ross are unlikely.
President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have publicly defended Ross, praising his actions as justified self-defense. Noem’s characterization of Good as a domestic terrorist has fueled further debate, particularly following a contentious interview in which she clashed with CNN’s Jake Tapper over the facts surrounding the incident.