By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The brothers of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen killed by federal immigration officers, have urged Congress to address violence stemming from immigration operations, stating these events are “changing many lives, including ours, forever.” Good’s death, along with another protester’s, has intensified national outrage and calls for restraint in immigration enforcement. Speaking at a congressional hearing focused on use-of-force incidents by Homeland Security officers, the brothers emphasized the profound and irreversible impact of such encounters on communities. Their testimony aimed to highlight the human cost of these operations, irrespective of the administration’s account of the incident.
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The recent public forum addressing the disproportionate use of force by Department of Homeland Security agents brought to light the tragic case of Renee Good, a woman whose life was cut short by an immigration officer. Her brothers, deeply affected by this devastating loss, have now amplified their voices, making a fervent call for action in Congress. This isn’t just about one incident; it’s about a pattern of behavior that demands serious scrutiny and legislative reform.
The forum itself served as a stark reminder that Renee Good’s story, while heart-wrenching, is not isolated. Other victims shared their own harrowing experiences, including a woman who was rammed and shot multiple times simply for observing ICE agents. These testimonies underscore the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for accountability within these federal agencies. It’s crucial to hear these voices, to understand the human cost of unchecked power.
Witnessing some of the legislators communicate the sheer horror and illegality of these actions was, frankly, refreshing. There was a palpable sense of outrage and a recognition that these incidents are not mere mistakes but egregious violations. It’s a relief to see elected officials acknowledge the severity of what’s happening, to call it what it is: murder.
When we speak of murder, the perpetrator’s affiliation doesn’t change the fundamental nature of the act. Whether it’s committed by “Trump ICE brown shirts goon squads” or any other entity, murder is murder. And in this context, the ultimate responsibility is placed squarely on the shoulders of the leadership. While individuals may carry out the direct actions, the buck, as they say, stops higher up.
The blame for these tragic deaths, including that of Renee Good, is pointed directly at the administration. It’s argued that the leader is ultimately responsible for the actions of their subordinates, especially when those actions result in loss of life. The absence of key individuals who might have been “busy at the time” only fuels the perception that accountability is being sidestepped.
A striking observation from the forum was the complete absence of Republican attendees. This lack of bipartisan engagement raises significant questions. Did not a single Republican believe it was important to listen to the brothers of Renee Good? Did not one Republican feel compelled to address the concerns of victims of alleged federal overreach?
The term “bicameral” used in the forum’s title, while perhaps intended to signify a joint effort between the House and Senate, seemed to be met with some confusion, or perhaps even mockery, given the attendance. The fact that Democrats are holding these forums and shining a light on these issues is commendable, especially considering the lack of Republican participation. Examples of similar “bicameral” initiatives from Democrats in the past highlight their ongoing efforts to address similar concerns.
One can’t help but wonder if any Republican legislator truly grasps the implications of these events. For those who frequently champion states’ rights, free speech, and Second Amendment protections, this situation represents a clear instance of federal overreach. It’s perplexing that a party that often decries government power seems indifferent when that power is used in such a devastating manner against individuals.
It’s been suggested that the motivation for some elected officials isn’t genuine concern for justice or individual rights, but rather a relentless pursuit of political victory. The focus, it seems, remains on protecting the current administration at all costs, rather than on upholding fundamental principles of justice and accountability.
The answer to whether any Republican listened to the brothers’ call for action in Congress appears to be a disheartening “no.” The commentary suggests that there was neither attendance nor genuine care from the Republican side. This paints a grim picture of the political landscape surrounding issues of federal agency accountability and the protection of individual lives. The brothers of Renee Good are not just grieving; they are demanding that Congress hear their pain and enact meaningful change, a demand that seems to be falling on deaf ears from a significant portion of the legislative body.