FBI agent resigns after the Trump administration shifted focus of the investigation into the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good.
At a Glance
- An FBI supervisor leaves the agency after the probe concentrates on Good and her partner rather than the officer who fired.
- The shooting occurred on Jan. 7 and sparked protests against federal immigration presence.
- Six U.S. Attorneys in Minnesota resigned over concerns about the investigation’s direction.
- Why it matters: The case highlights tensions between federal and state authorities over immigration enforcement and investigative priorities.
The resignation of a Minneapolis-based FBI supervisor follows a controversial investigation into the January 7 fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer Jonathan Ross. The agent stepped down after officials from the Trump administration allegedly steered the probe toward Good and her partner, leaving the officer’s actions largely unexamined.
FBI Resignation
The agent, who had overseen the Minneapolis field office, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday night. The New York Times first reported the resignation, and the Minnesota FBI field office spokesperson said the agency follows a policy of not commenting on personnel matters.
“We are investigating the cause,” said a police spokesperson, echoing the agency’s stance on internal matters.
The resignation comes after six prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s office in Minnesota stepped down, citing concerns over the investigation’s direction. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated there was “currently no basis” for a criminal Civil Rights Division investigation into Ross.
Investigation Focus
The FBI launched an inquiry following the shooting, a standard procedure that typically involves local officials. However, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was reportedly cut out of the investigation.
The probe has concentrated on Good’s partner and whether she impeded Ross in the moments before the shooting, rather than on Ross’s direct actions. Sources told News Of Austin that the investigation’s emphasis on the victim’s behavior has raised questions about impartiality.
A spokesperson for the Minnesota FBI field office reiterated that the agency’s policy does not allow commentary on personnel issues.
Local Officials and Federal Response
Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, along with other local officials, have demanded an end to federal immigration operations in the state. The Justice Department is investigating Walz and Frey over allegations that they conspired to impede federal agents through public statements, according to a senior law-enforcement official and a person familiar with the matter.
Walz has called the investigation political, while Frey has described it as an intimidation attempt.
In Minnesota, judges denied the Trump administration’s motions to detain protesters arrested this week during a demonstration at a St. Paul church, where a pastor allegedly worked for ICE. A federal magistrate judge found no probable cause to charge two protesters on the FACE Act, a federal statute covering houses of worship.
President Donald Trump acknowledged that federal agents sometimes make mistakes in enforcing his immigration crackdown, a comment that followed weeks of violent confrontations, including Good’s fatal shooting.
Legal Actions and Court Rulings
The legal landscape surrounding the Good case has seen several significant moves:
- Six prosecutors resigned over concerns about the investigation’s focus.
- Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche dismissed the possibility of a Civil Rights Division inquiry.
- Judges in Minnesota rejected the Trump administration’s attempts to detain protesters linked to a church demonstration.
- The Justice Department is probing local officials for alleged interference with federal agents.
These actions underscore the growing friction between federal and state authorities over immigration enforcement.
Broader Context
The Good shooting has amplified the debate over federal immigration operations in states that have moved to restrict such presence. The case also illustrates how investigations can become politicized, potentially diverting attention from the actions of law-enforcement officers.
The resignation of the FBI agent and the departure of six U.S. Attorneys signal deep concerns within the justice system about the integrity of investigations into federal conduct.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing investigations into both the shooting and the broader implications for federal-state cooperation in immigration enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- The FBI agent’s resignation highlights a perceived shift in investigative focus away from the officer involved.
- Local officials in Minnesota are under scrutiny for alleged interference with federal agents.
- Legal challenges continue to shape the narrative around federal immigration enforcement.
The case will likely influence future policies on federal presence in states and the conduct of investigations into federal law-enforcement actions.
