Renee Good’s Brothers Testify on DHS Force in Congress Hearing

WASHINGTON — Brothers of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother from Minneapolis shot dead by a federal immigration agent, told Congress on Tuesday about assaults and shootings by Department of Homeland Security officers. The hearing, organized by Democrats, highlighted claims of excessive force during immigration operations in Minnesota and other places.

Background

Renee Good died on January 7 in south Minneapolis during an immigration enforcement action called Operation Metro Surge. She was driving her Honda Pilot on a residential street when an ICE agent fired shots, killing her. Federal officials said Good tried to ram agents with her car in an act they called domestic terrorism. Local police and state leaders disputed that account, saying the facts did not match.

Days later, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, was also fatally shot by a federal agent in a related incident. These deaths sparked protests in Minneapolis that continue today. They drew backlash from both parties against the Trump administration's approach to immigration enforcement.

The operations involved ICE and Border Patrol agents sent to Minnesota as part of a larger crackdown. Governor Tim Walz spoke out about children from the state held in federal detention centers, including one boy named Liam Ramos sent to Texas in the middle of the night. Walz called the conditions inhumane and demanded a full count of Minnesota kids in such places.

Fridley Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Lewis attended the hearing too. She said federal agents have followed her and parked outside school board members' homes after she criticized the operations' focus on schools.

Hennepin County Attorney's Office sent letters to the Justice Department and DHS on Monday asking for evidence in Good's case. This came right before the brothers' testimony.

Key Details

The Capitol Hill forum started at 2 p.m. and was led by Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Rep. Robert Garcia of California. Good's brothers, Luke and Brent Ganger, spoke first. They read parts of a funeral eulogy and described their family's pain.

Luke Ganger said the family first hoped Good's death would lead to change, but little has happened. He called the scenes in Minneapolis surreal and said encounters with federal agents are altering lives forever. He noted their family mixes different faiths and political views but stays united in love.

Brent Ganger described his sister as hopeful and devoted to her three children. He said she made people feel safe and valued, believed in second chances, and always looked for the light in hard times.

"The deep distress our family feels because of Renee’s loss in such a violent and unnecessary way is complicated by feelings of disbelief, distress and desperation for change." – Luke Ganger

Other witnesses shared stories of aggressive run-ins with DHS agents. Blumenthal said they carry mental and physical scars from government actions. He called the hearing extraordinary because Good and Pretti were killed by their own government.

Demands for Change

Democrats listed specific fixes. They want to block DHS funding until ICE agents stop wearing masks, get more training, lose qualified immunity, and follow stricter warrant rules. They also push for body cameras on all agents.

Rep. Garcia wrote that the killings could have been prevented. He accused the Trump administration, President Trump, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of lying and covering up.

The administration responded to the backlash. It sent border official Tom Homan to oversee Minneapolis operations and required ICE and Border Patrol agents there to wear body cameras. Noem agreed to this change this week.

Attorney General Keith Ellison quoted a judge who called Operation Metro Surge ill-conceived and cruel. The judge said the administration's actions lacked human decency.

What This Means

The hearing keeps pressure on DHS as protests go on in Minneapolis. It shows a split between Democrats, who want big reforms, and the administration, which says agents acted in self-defense. Bipartisan anger after the shootings led to quick changes like body cameras, but Democrats say it's not enough.

Families and officials now wait for investigations. The county attorney's request for evidence could lead to charges or more details on what happened. Walz's push for info on detained kids highlights wider effects on communities.

Lewis's claims of agents following school leaders raise fears about retaliation against critics. This could chill free speech in places hit by operations.

Blumenthal said these stories reach beyond Minneapolis. He urged a full overhaul of DHS policies, including no masks and better monitoring. The push ties into larger debates on immigration enforcement and civil rights.

Good's brothers ended by thanking supporters nationwide. They said the love from all backgrounds mirrors Renee's own kindness. Their words aim to spark action to prevent more deaths.

The forum adds to ongoing scrutiny. With letters sent to federal agencies and demands for accountability, the next steps depend on responses from DHS and the Justice Department. Communities watch closely for any real shifts in how agents operate.