By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison was informed that federal agents would not share their investigative file with state authorities. Despite efforts to intervene and appeals to federal officials, the Attorney General received no response, with the refusal appearing to stem from President Trump’s directive. As a result, Ellison’s office initiated a parallel investigation and condemned the release of footage from the agent’s cell phone to a right-wing news outlet, Alpha News, as unprofessional. Ellison emphasized the importance of gathering all available evidence and the need for further investigation before determining whether to charge the ICE agent, Jonathan Ross.
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Minnesota Attorney General: Trump Blocked Probe Into ICE Shooting
The situation surrounding the shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis quickly became a battleground of conflicting interests. The Trump administration’s response, from the start, seemed meticulously planned. The immediate actions taken to control the narrative, maintain federal control over the investigation, and prevent state involvement suggested a pre-existing protocol for such incidents. It was clear that the administration was prepared for this eventuality.
The Minnesota Attorney General, Keith Ellison, found himself facing an unusual obstruction. After an initial agreement for the FBI to collaborate with the state’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the federal government unexpectedly refused to share its investigative file. This move was particularly noteworthy, given the normal collaborative relationship between state and federal officials. Ellison reported hearing this news within 24 hours of the shooting. The denial included withholding access to crucial evidence, such as the bullets, the gun, and the crime scene itself, effectively shutting out state authorities.
It wasn’t until a press conference held by Ellison and the Hennepin County district attorney, where they announced their intention to pursue a parallel investigation, that the reason for this obstruction became clear. According to Ellison, the directive to withhold information came directly from Donald Trump himself. He cited Trump’s comments attacking Minnesota law enforcement as a contributing factor. Ellison was adamant about the state’s right to investigate, and he expressed his disappointment at the federal government’s decision.
Adding to the complexity, Ellison dismissed claims of “absolute immunity” for the ICE agent, stating that it was based on ignorance. He was acutely aware of the political ramifications. The Trump administration had previously used similar tactics, including the deployment of federal agents to Minneapolis, which outnumbered the city’s police force. Further, there were attempts to cut off federal aid to the state.
The release of video footage from the ICE agent’s cell phone to a right-wing news outlet, Alpha News, baffled Ellison. He believed it undermined any justifications the administration used to keep investigative documents away from state officials. In the video, Good did not appear to pose an immediate threat, and she was, in fact, expressing kindness before the shooting. This contradicted any claims of self-defense. After the shooting, the agent called Good a “fucking bitch.” Ellison made clear his concerns about the lack of transparency, calling the release of evidence to a partisan outlet “fundamentally unprofessional.”
Ellison emphasized the importance of the family of Renee Good knowing that the state recognizes she was not a threat and that she was attempting to help her neighbors at the time of her death. He noted the state’s intent to pursue charges of murder and to issue a warrant for the arrest of the ICE agent. The Attorney General made it clear that the state would continue its case, following established laws.
The situation calls for decisive action, including state investigations and arrests where warranted. The public release of video footage, showing the actions taken, should be sufficient for a charge of second degree murder. The state should use all available legal tools to obtain witness testimony and evidence, including subpoenas and warrants. The lack of accountability, and the apparent willingness to allow murder to go unpunished, highlights the need for a strong response from state officials.
The actions of the Trump administration, including the attempts to cover up the shooting and obstruct the investigation, point to a broader pattern of behavior. The lack of checks and balances allows the situation to remain under the control of the accused. The Minnesota Attorney General is right to be concerned about obstruction. The video evidence alone should be enough to start building a second-degree murder case. The video doesn’t lie.
It’s clear that the administration would attempt to control any probe. Trump has no authority over the states. The evidence is public and clear. The failure to act and prosecute the killer will only encourage more violence by those ICE agents who are emboldened by the lack of consequences. The state has a duty to act, regardless of how the legal fight plays out. Failure to hold the killer responsible will set a dangerous precedent.
This isn’t the first time the Trump administration has attempted to control and obstruct investigations into incidents involving ICE. There are precedents for this type of cover-up, including similar instances of controlled narratives, denial of state involvement, and attempts to protect the perpetrators. The speed and decisiveness of the Trump administration’s response to this ICE shooting are not a coincidence. It is by design.
The potential for further escalation and the erosion of democratic norms is a concern. The shift to a police state is now a legitimate concern. The only way to stop it is to start arresting the people responsible and prosecuting them under state law.