The father of a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent involved in a fatal shooting in Minneapolis has publicly defended his son, stating the officer committed no wrongdoing and will face no charges. The incident, which resulted in the death of 43-year-old Renee Good, has sparked significant public outrage and scrutiny over the conduct of federal agents.
Father's Defence and Contradictory Claims
Ed Ross, the father of ICE agent Jonathan Ross, gave an interview to the Daily Mail, vehemently defending his son's character and actions. "You would never find a nicer, kinder person," he stated, describing his son as a "committed, conservative Christian, a tremendous father, a tremendous husband." He asserted that Jonathan Ross was not at fault and would not be charged.
The official stance from the Department of Homeland Security aligns with this, supporting the officer and claiming that Renee Good was attempting to "mow him down" with her vehicle. However, this narrative is heavily contested. Analysis of multiple video angles from the scene has led many observers and activists to conclude that Good was not attacking anyone but was instead trying to turn her vehicle away. Her family has stated she was not an activist and had no clear reason to be at the location.
Eyewitness Accounts and Unanswered Questions
Conflicting reports have emerged from the scene. Some eyewitnesses claimed that Good and her partner were acting as legal observers, documenting the protests when she was shot. Based on the circulated video footage, a prevailing theory suggests that Good may have panicked after being ordered to move, subsequently losing control of her car. Her vehicle reportedly slammed into parked cars and a light pole at high speed.
The controversy has fueled broader criticism of ICE and its perceived lack of restraint when interacting with civilians. The focus remains sharply on Jonathan Ross, whose personal background has also come under public scrutiny.
Profile of the ICE Agent
The Daily Mail report revealed personal details about Jonathan Ross. He is married to an immigrant from the Philippines, whose parents still reside there. While his father confirmed his daughter-in-law is now a US citizen, he did not disclose her length of residence in the country.
Ross, believed to be a supporter of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement, has lived on the outskirts of Minneapolis since 2015 and has served as an immigration officer since at least 2013. Neighbors reported that until recently, he had displayed pro-Trump flags and the 'Don't Tread On Me' Gadsden flag at his home. These flags were notably absent following the controversial shooting.
The case continues to develop, with the official investigation's findings awaited amidst a climate of intense public debate and demand for accountability.
