In brief
During a congressional hearing, Luke and Brett Ganger appealed for change following the death of their sister, Renee Good, who was shot by federal immigration officers. Their emotional testimony emphasized the need for accountability and reform in immigration enforcement practices, highlighting the lifelong impact such violence has on families and communities.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The brothers of Renee Good, who was one of two U.S. citizens killed by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, have urged Congress to take action against the violence stemming from immigration operations, noting that such incidents are changing many lives, including ours, forever.
Renee, a 37-year-old mother of three, was fatally shot on January 7. Her death and that of another protester, Alex Pretti, shortly thereafter have triggered national outrage and intensified calls for reform in immigration enforcement.
Brothers Luke and Brett Ganger spoke during a congressional hearing convened by Democratic lawmakers to examine use-of-force incidents involving Department of Homeland Security officers charged with arresting and deporting immigrants. The atmosphere was somber, with the brothers often supporting each other while sharing their grief and listening to others.
Luke Ganger expressed the deep distress their family has endured over losing their sister in an unjust and violent manner. While he refrained from making specific requests of Congress, he framed his sister's death as a pivotal moment that must catalyze changes in ongoing immigration operations, particularly in Minneapolis.
What is happening on the streets of Minneapolis is completely beyond explanation. This isn't just an off day or isolated incidents; these confrontations with federal agents are irrevocably changing our community, and our lives, forever, he declared.
The hearing was organized by Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Rep. Robert Garcia of California to bring attention to complaints about the excessive use of force by Homeland Security officers implementing President Trump's mass deportation efforts.
Officials from the Trump administration alleged that Good attempted to run over an officer with her vehicle, a claim that has been widely disputed by state and local authorities along with protestors.
The Ganger brothers chose not to delve into the specifics surrounding their sister’s tragic death or the administration’s statements about it. Instead, they focused on reminiscing about her life. Luke highlighted the essential role the brothers felt in sharing the story of a beautiful American we have lost—our sister, daughter, mother, partner, and friend.
Brett Ganger recounted the eulogy he had prepared for Renee's funeral, likening her spirit to dandelions that bloom and bring beauty to unexpected places, underscoring her beliefs that tomorrow could be brighter than today and that kindness truly matters.
The panel also heard testimonies from three additional U.S. citizens who recounted their experiences with DHS officers.
