The death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother and activist, has ignited national debate after she was shot and killed during a confrontation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Minneapolis. Renee and her wife, Rebecca Good, were protesting ICE activity in their neighborhood when federal agents approached Renee’s vehicle. Authorities say ICE agent Jonathan Ross fired three shots after Renee allegedly ignored commands to exit her car and began driving forward. Newly released videos show a tense exchange in which the couple verbally challenged officers moments before the shooting. Federal officials, including members of the Trump administration, have framed the killing as an act of self-defense, arguing that the vehicle was used as a weapon.

In her first public statement since the tragedy, Rebecca Good described her wife as a person defined by compassion, faith, and joy, saying Renee believed deeply in kindness and equality for all people. Speaking to Minnesota Public Radio, Rebecca said they stopped “to support our neighbors,” emphasizing the imbalance of power in the encounter: “We had whistles. They had guns.” Renee leaves behind three children, including a six-year-old son who has already lost his father. While national figures have defended the officer’s actions, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey rejected the self-defense narrative, calling it “garbage” based on available footage. As investigations continue, Rebecca says she will honor her wife’s legacy by teaching their son to reject fear and hatred, and to choose compassion even in the face of irreversible loss.