WASHINGTON — The brothers of Renee Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother of three who was shot and killed on Jan. 7, called on Congress to confront violence tied to immigration enforcement during a congressional hearing Tuesday.
Luke and Brett Ganger testified at a forum organized by House and Senate Democrats to spotlight use-of-force incidents involving Department of Homeland Security officers who carry out immigration arrests and deportations. The hearing, led by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), had a somber tone as family members and witnesses gave emotional accounts.
The brothers described the family’s deep distress over losing their sister in what they called a violent and unnecessary incident. They did not offer a specific legislative proposal at the hearing, but urged that her death prompt changes to how immigration operations are carried out, particularly those that play out on city streets. They said the scenes in Minneapolis have had profound, lasting effects on their family and on the community.
Federal officials have said Good attempted to run over an officer; state and local officials in Minneapolis and protesters have disputed that account. Rather than dwell on conflicting narratives, the brothers used their time to remember Good’s life. They described her as a beloved sister, daughter, mother, partner and friend and recalled how she brought unexpected brightness to those around her.
Brett Ganger read part of the eulogy he delivered at her funeral, comparing her to resilient dandelions and stressing her belief that tomorrow could be better and that kindness matters.
The panel also heard from three other U.S. citizens who recounted confrontations with Homeland Security officers, joining calls from lawmakers and families for congressional review of enforcement tactics that can lead to deadly outcomes.