ICE agent in Renee Nicole Good case described by family as faithful Christian and loving father

WASHINGTON, DC: The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who fatally shot Renee Nicole Good during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis has been identified as Jonathan Ross, according to law enforcement sources and family members.

Federal officials allege that Good attempted to strike ICE officers with her vehicle, prompting the agent to open fire. Good’s family and neighbors dispute that account, describing her as a mother with no history of violent activity.

The incident has sparked protests and political reaction as authorities continue to review what happened.

ICE agent's background and official responses 

Jonathan Ross, 43, is an ICE agent based in Minneapolis and a member of the agency’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Special Response Team, a tactical unit trained for high-risk operations, according to law enforcement sources.

Ross is an Iraq War veteran and has worked for ICE since at least 2013. Following the shooting, Ross’ family publicly defended him, describing him as a person of faith and a devoted family man.

“He’s a committed, conservative Christian, a tremendous father, a tremendous husband. I couldn’t be more proud of him,” his father, Ed Ross, said to the Daily Mail on Friday, January 9.

Ross married his wife in 2012. According to reports, she is a US citizen with family living in the Philippines, where her parents work as doctors.

In past social media posts, she has shared photos posing near Border Patrol equipment.

Ross’ background drew renewed attention after details resurfaced from a 2024 incident in Bloomington, Minnesota, during a traffic stop involving an undocumented immigrant.

Federal records showed Ross breaking a vehicle window after the driver refused to exit. The suspect then fled, reportedly dragging Ross more than 100 yards with his arm caught inside the vehicle.

Ross was hospitalized with significant injuries requiring 33 stitches and later returned to duty. 

In response to the shooting, President Donald Trump praised Ross’ actions, stating the agent acted in self-defense.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also defended the agent, saying his use of force was justified and describing Good as a “domestic t*******t.”

Conflicting accounts of the incident and Renee Good's background 

The Department of Homeland Security alleges that Renee Nicole Good, 37, attempted to use her SUV as a weapon during the incident.

DHS said Good “weaponized” her vehicle while ICE agents were conducting an operation in a residential neighborhood.

Renee Good’s wife, Rebecca Good, was outside the SUV at the time and appeared to be confronting ICE agents. She later appeared distraught on video, saying the shooting was her fault.

“I made her come down here; it’s my fault,” Rebecca said. “They just shot my wife.”

She added, “They shot her in the head. I have a 6-year-old in school.” Neighbors and family members strongly disputed DHS’ characterization of Good.

“A neighbor who, you know, is not a t******t. Not an extremist. That was just a mom who loved her kids, loved her spouse,” neighbor Joan Rose told KMBC.

Good’s mother, Donna Ganger, also rejected claims that her daughter had been involved in organized actions against ICE.

“Renee was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known,” Ganger told the Star Tribune. “She was extremely compassionate. She’s taken care of people all her life. She was loving, forgiving, and affectionate. She was an amazing human being.”