WASHINGTON — The brothers of Renee Good, one of two U.S. citizens killed by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, urged Congress to address violence linked to immigration operations, saying the events are “changing many lives, including ours, forever.”
Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed Jan. 7. Her death and that of another protester, Alex Pretti, weeks later have prompted national outrage and calls to limit immigration enforcement tactics.
Luke and Brett Ganger testified at a hearing of congressional Democrats highlighting use-of-force incidents by Department of Homeland Security officers involved in arrests and deportations. The mood was somber as the brothers comforted each other and others at the forum.
Luke described the family’s “deep distress” at losing their sister “in such a violent and unnecessary way,” calling her death a turning point that should spur changes to operations like those in Minneapolis. He did not specify legislative requests but emphasized the broader impact on the community.
The forum was organized by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., to spotlight complaints about DHS officers enforcing President Donald Trump’s deportation policies. The Trump administration has said Good tried to run over an officer with her vehicle; state and local Minneapolis officials and protesters have rejected that account.
Rather than focus on the disputed details, the brothers spoke about Good’s life. Luke said their main duty was to tell listeners “what a beautiful American we have lost”—a sister, daughter, mother, partner and friend. Brett read portions of the eulogy he delivered at her funeral, likening her to dandelions that bring unexpected beauty and saying she believed tomorrow could be better and that kindness mattered.
The panel also heard from three other U.S. citizens who described their own treatment by Homeland Security officers.
