Full Breakdown
ICE Agent Jonathan Ross Reassigned After Fatal Shooting of Unarmed Mother Amid Stalled FBI Probe
4/28/2026, 8:20:51 PM
Fatal Shooting and Immediate Aftermath
On Jan 7, 2025, ICE agent Jonathan Ross, 43, shot unarmed U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good, 37, in the arm, breast, and head as she tried to leave an ICE operation in Minneapolis. Good’s Honda Pilot struck a parked car and she died. Ross’s cellphone video captured him muttering “f---ing b---h.” He received three days’ leave before reassignment to another state.
Operational Context and Prior Incidents
The shooting occurred during an ICE-Border Patrol operation that, seventeen days later, produced the fatal shooting of VA ICU nurse Alex Pretti, 37, by Border Patrol agents. The deaths sparked protests and prompted the removal of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, succeeded by Markwayne Mullin.
Timeline of Key Developments
Jan 7, 2025 – Ross shoots Good; Jan 23 – FBI supervisor Tracee Mergen resigns after alleging pressure to reclassify the case; Mar 24 – Minnesota files a lawsuit seeking a joint federal-state review; May 31 – ICE Director Todd Lyons announces resignation; June – report notes stalled FBI probe blocks Office of Professional Responsibility from reviewing.
Official Agency Statements
DHS said the incident “remains under investigation” and that “all shootings are initially reviewed by an appropriate law-enforcement agency,” after which ICE and CBP conduct a review. The DOJ confirmed an “ongoing investigation … by DHS-OIG” and said U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI are providing physical evidence. ICE officials added that Office of Professional Responsibility cannot start its review until FBI probe ends.
Criticism and Whistleblower Allegations
Whistleblowers and Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Dick Durbin allege that FBI Director Kash Patel directed agents to reframe Good as a suspect, slowing the probe. Whistleblower accounts say the White House directed the freeze of Minnesota state investigators from the crime scene and federal evidence. A senior ICE official said FBI must “s--t or get off the pot,” adding, “It makes us look like idiots,” to criticize handling.
Conflicting Reports and Evidentiary Gaps
ICE officials say internal affairs review awaits FBI’s conclusion, but FBI’s status remains unclear, with no public indication whether the probe is closed or merely delayed. DOJ’s statement does not define the scope of DHS-OIG investigation, leaving evidence review uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Screenshot/Max Nesterak/X The slow pace has fueled mounting fury inside the agency, with one senior ICE official telling PunchUp the FBI needs to “s--t or get off the pot.” — Senior ICE official (on FBI investigation)
- “We let some states in and not others,” — Senior ICE official (on federal-state cooperation)
- “It makes us look like idiots.” — Senior ICE official (on optics)
- “I welcome the opportunity to speak to the family in private,” — Todd Lyons, outgoing ICE Director
Prospects and Ongoing Investigations
Federal investigators continue to examine the shooting, and congressional committees have sought testimony from ICE leadership. Pending DHS-OIG review and joint federal-state inquiry remain unresolved, leaving Agent Ross’s accountability process indeterminate.
