By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Becca Good, the wife of Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a 37-year-old mother and poet fatally shot by an ICE officer, released a statement describing Renee as a kind and compassionate person who believed in shared humanity. The couple had recently moved to Minneapolis seeking stability and community, which was shattered when Renee was killed during an ICE operation, a shooting that federal officials claim was justified. However, this account is disputed by video evidence and eyewitnesses, sparking protests and demands for transparency. Becca Good’s statement honors Renee’s memory by emphasizing compassion and rejecting hate while raising their youngest child.
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The wife of the Minneapolis woman, Renee Nicole Good, killed by ICE has bravely spoken out for the first time, her words echoing with a profound sense of loss and a resilient spirit of hope. Her statement, a testament to the life and values of her late wife, paints a vivid picture of a woman characterized by unwavering kindness, compassion, and an infectious joy that touched everyone around her. The wife’s words, a raw expression of grief, offer a window into the profound tragedy of Renee’s death and the aftermath that she has been left to navigate.
Renee’s life, as described by her wife, was defined by an “overarching belief: there is kindness in the world and we need to do everything we can to find it where it resides and nurture it where it needs to grow.” This core principle shaped every facet of her being, from her deep-seated religious faith to her interactions with neighbors and strangers alike. She was a Christian who believed in the unifying power of love, care, and the shared responsibility of keeping one another safe and whole. This commitment to kindness permeated their life together, influencing their decision to make Minneapolis their home, where they built a welcoming community and shared joy with all.
The family’s journey to Minneapolis represented a search for a better life. Their arrival, filled with the simple joys of a family on the road, quickly blossomed into a vibrant life within a welcoming community. It was a place where they felt a strong sense of belonging, and it was a place where they found peace and safe harbor. This peace, however, was shattered on January 7th, a day that brought an abrupt end to their shared world. “We had whistles. They had guns,” the wife stated, in a simple yet searing observation that captures the imbalance of power and the tragic outcome that ensued.
The loss of Renee has left an immense void, particularly for her children, one of whom is only six years old and has already experienced the loss of their father. Now, the wife is left to raise their son, carrying the torch of Renee’s values of kindness, compassion, and the pursuit of a better world. Her statement reflects a commitment to honor Renee’s memory by rejecting hate, embracing compassion, and fostering peace. It is a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
The community’s response to the tragedy has been one of overwhelming support. Strangers from across the country and around the world have reached out, offering solace and practical assistance. This outpouring of kindness, the wife recognizes, is the most fitting tribute to Renee’s life, embodying the very values she championed. The fact that a GoFundMe was closed and those funds were redirected to someone else in need speaks volumes about the family’s character.
The events surrounding Renee’s death have sparked outrage and heartache. The accusations of some who are spreading misinformation and casting doubt upon her character after her death is cruel. The attempts to dissect and analyze her actions at the time of the shooting reveal the inherent difficulties of applying logic to such a situation and the importance of allowing for understanding.
Renee’s legacy is one of compassion, a refusal to give in to hate, a commitment to understanding, and an unwavering belief in a better future. The wife’s words have made that legacy visible, and that legacy will live on.