The family of a Minnesota woman, fatally shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, has initiated a civil rights lawsuit. The suit leverages a historical law originally passed to combat violence by the Ku Klux Klan. In a federal court filing, the family accuses senior Trump administration officials of participating in a conspiracy that led to her death.
Officials Named in the Lawsuit
The 149-page lawsuit, submitted on Thursday, names former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and Border Czar Tom Homan. The complaint alleges that they, along with other immigration leaders, used “Operation Metro Surge” to specifically target Somali and Hispanic communities. The suit claims that the operation sought to intimidate those who were documenting or opposing immigration enforcement efforts.
Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, was killed as she attempted to drive away from agents in Minneapolis. She had been warning neighbors about the operation.
I stand here with fierce determination to do what is right for my sister, for her children, and for our country—and that is to insist on accountability,” said Brent Ganger, Renee Good’s brother.
Ganger emphasized the need for accountability, stating that the events of January 7 and the broader federal actions are not aligned with American values.
Response from the Trump Administration
The Trump administration defended the agent’s actions, claiming Good weaponized her vehicle and struck the agent. Newsweek contacted the White House and Department of Homeland Security for comments, but the Department of Justice declined to provide any.
Legal Basis for the Lawsuit
The lawsuit is anchored in the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871. This law was originally designed to combat organized violence and intimidation against freed Black Americans and their allies. It allows for civil litigation against conspiracies that deprive people of equal protection under the law. The plaintiffs argue that the act is applicable in this context, alleging discriminatory enforcement actions by masked federal agents.
The complaint states that Congress created the law to address situations like this: when individuals disguise themselves to deny a particular group equal protection under the law.
Recently, the same law firm representing Good’s family pursued legal action against agents involved in similar raids in Illinois under another operation.
Alleged Events of January 7
The lawsuit outlines the events leading to Good’s death. Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, had taken her son to school and was driving through her neighborhood when federal agents surrounded her car. Good honked her horn to alert neighbors. Her partner started filming the scene while she remained in the car.
ICE agent Jonathan Ross allegedly stopped Good’s vehicle. After a brief interaction, Ross reportedly fired three shots at Good, striking her in the temple with one round. Her car then crashed into another vehicle.
The complaint details that no agent provided aid, and they blocked a doctor’s attempt to help her.
Good’s partner, witnessing the shooting, has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the incident.
Claims Against Miller, Homan, and Noem
The lawsuit also accuses key Trump administration figures. Stephen Miller is alleged to have orchestrated the operations targeting specific ethnic groups. The plaintiffs claim he was involved in directing agents to confront observers and protesters.
Kristi Noem is accused of enabling policies that allowed agents to cover their faces and create a “filmed spectacle.” She reportedly embedded conservative social media influencers to document operations.
As Border Czar, Tom Homan is claimed to be the public architect of these operations, promising aggressive enforcement in sanctuary cities. Following the incidents, Homan collaborated with local officials to de-escalate tensions, eventually removing many agents from the area.
This remains an unfolding news story with updates pending.
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