MINNEAPOLIS — The family of Renee Nicole Macklin Good, the 37-year-old woman fatally shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis last week, has officially retained the Chicago-based law firm Romanucci & Blandin. The announcement, made on January 14, 2026, carries significant weight as the firm previously secured a historic $27 million settlement for the family of George Floyd following his death in 2020.
Renee Good was killed on January 7, 2026, during an encounter with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Jonathan Ross. The shooting occurred just blocks from her home shortly after she had dropped her child off at school.
The Civil Investigation: Pursuing Transparency
While federal and state authorities conduct criminal reviews, Romanucci & Blandin has launched an independent civil investigation. Founding Partner Antonio M. Romanucci emphasized that the firm intends to bypass bureaucratic silence by providing “rolling updates” on their findings to the public.
- Key Evidence: The legal team has pointed to video footage showing Good’s vehicle moving at a slow speed in a direction away from the agent before he opened fire.
- Targeting “Officer-Related Jeopardy”: Attorneys are investigating whether the agent placed himself in the vehicle’s path—a tactic often scrutinized in police misconduct cases as a way to justify the use of deadly force.
- The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA): Romanucci noted that suing federal agents is “byzantine and time-consuming,” requiring navigation through the FTCA where cases are decided by federal judges rather than local juries.
A Call for Peace and Civil Progress
In a deeply personal statement released through their new counsel, the family described Renee—known as “Nae” or “Nae-Nae”—as the “beautiful light” of their family. They have explicitly called for calm, urging the public not to allow her death to become a “political pawn.”
“Be Good. That is the clear message from her family as Renee’s wish to the world. They want to honor her life with progress toward a kinder and more civil America.” — Romanucci & Blandin Statement
| Family Representatives | Legal Team Leaders | Case Status |
| Becca Good (Partner) | Antonio M. Romanucci | Civil Investigation Launched |
| Tim & Donna Ganger (Parents) | Kevin Riach (Co-Counsel) | Ongoing FBI Probe |
| Four Siblings | Romanucci & Blandin Staff | No DOJ Civil Rights Probe |
Political and Legal Friction
The retention of high-profile civil rights counsel comes as tensions flare between local and federal officials. While Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Representative Ilhan Omar have described Good as a “legal observer” of ICE activity, the Trump administration and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have defended the agent’s actions, alleging Good was “stalking” agents.
The Justice Department recently announced it sees no basis for a criminal civil rights investigation, leaving the family to rely on the FBI’s ongoing probe and their own civil litigation to find answers.
FAQ: The Renee Good Civil Rights Case
Why did the family hire the George Floyd attorneys?
Romanucci & Blandin are specialists in high-stakes civil rights and police misconduct cases. Their previous success in Minneapolis with the George Floyd case gives them unique experience with the local legal landscape and federal oversight issues.
What is the current status of the agent involved?
ICE agent Jonathan Ross remains at the center of the investigation. While federal officials have defended his actions as self-defense, the firm’s civil investigation is looking into whether his conduct violated established policing procedures.
What are the next steps in the lawsuit?
The legal team is currently gathering evidence, including forensic data and witness statements. Under the FTCA, they must first file an administrative claim with the federal government before a formal lawsuit can be argued in federal court.
The Bottom Line: Seeking “Good Policing”
By hiring a team synonymous with national accountability, the Good family is signaling that they will not settle for a closed-door resolution. As Minneapolis braces for continued protests, the focus shifts to the evidence being gathered by Romanucci & Blandin, whose stated mission is to turn this tragedy into a catalyst for “Good policing” and a more civil society.
