Renee Good ICE Shooting: Family Prepares Federal Lawsuit Under Tort Claims Act
On January 7, 2026, Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis during an immigration sweep. The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage and grief, prompting Good’s family to take legal action. Represented by the same law firm that represented George Floyd’s family, they are preparing a federal lawsuit under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This act allows individuals to sue the federal government for damages caused by the negligent or wrongful acts of its employees.
The Shooting and Its Aftermath
According to reports, the shooting occurred after Good and her partner observed ICE agents in their neighborhood. Accounts of the incident differ, with federal authorities claiming Good attempted to impede law enforcement and even run over the agent. However, Good’s family and local officials dispute this version of events, stating that she was trying to drive away when the agent fired into the vehicle.
Video footage of the aftermath shows Good bleeding profusely while agents allegedly prevented a bystander, who identified himself as a physician, from providing medical assistance. These details have fueled public anger and calls for accountability.
Legal Challenges and the Federal Tort Claims Act
The family’s decision to pursue a lawsuit under the FTCA is a strategic one, given the complexities of suing federal agents. Suing individual federal officers directly is challenging due to legal doctrines like qualified immunity and the limited scope of “Bivens” actions, which allow lawsuits against federal agents for constitutional violations. The Supreme Court has narrowed the application of Bivens over the years, making it difficult to pursue such claims successfully.
The FTCA offers an alternative route by allowing individuals to sue the government for the actions of its employees. However, FTCA cases also present unique hurdles. For example, the “discretionary function” exception protects the government from liability for actions involving an officer’s discretionary decision-making. Additionally, FTCA cases are typically decided by a federal judge rather than a jury.
Potential Claims and Legal Strategies
In addition to the FTCA claim, Good’s family may also pursue a Bivens action against the ICE agent, alleging violations of Good’s Fourth Amendment rights against excessive force. To succeed in this claim, they would need to demonstrate that the agent’s actions were objectively unreasonable and violated clearly established constitutional rights.
The family’s legal team will likely argue that the agent used excessive force and that his actions were not justified under the circumstances. They may also challenge the government’s version of events and present evidence supporting their claim that Good was attempting to drive away when she was shot.
Broader Implications and the Debate Over Qualified Immunity
The Renee Good shooting has reignited the debate over qualified immunity for law enforcement officers. Qualified immunity protects officers from liability unless their conduct violates clearly established statutory or constitutional rights, and there’s case law in the relevant jurisdiction that would have made it clear to a reasonable officer that their conduct was unconstitutional. Critics argue that qualified immunity shields officers from accountability and makes it difficult for victims of police misconduct to obtain justice.
In response to the shooting and other incidents of alleged misconduct by federal agents, some lawmakers have reintroduced legislation to abolish or reform qualified immunity. These efforts aim to make it easier to sue federal law enforcement officers for civil rights violations.
Seeking Justice and Accountability
The family of Renee Good is determined to seek justice and accountability for her death. Their lawsuit under the Federal Tort Claims Act represents a significant step in that direction. While the legal road ahead may be challenging, their pursuit of justice could have broader implications for police accountability and the rights of individuals in encounters with law enforcement.
The case also highlights the importance of transparency and independent investigations in incidents involving law enforcement use of force. As the legal process unfolds, it is crucial to ensure that all facts are thoroughly examined and that those responsible for any wrongdoing are held accountable.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to the actions of a federal agent, it is essential to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney. Contact our firm today for a consultation to discuss your rights and options.