The father of Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who fatally shot 37-year-old mother-of-three Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis earlier this month, has broken his silence, defending his son’s actions and expressing confidence that Ross will face no legal consequences. The shooting, which took place on a snow-covered street during a federal enforcement operation, has ignited national controversy, drawing attention to federal law enforcement practices, use of force policies, and the political climate surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States.
Ed Ross, 80, spoke candidly in a recent interview, describing his son as a “tremendous” person, a devoted father, and a committed Christian. He insisted that his son will not be charged in connection with the shooting, stating emphatically, “He will not be charged with anything.” Ed Ross painted a portrait of Jonathan Ross as a kind, principled individual whose professional actions have been misinterpreted or mischaracterized. “You would never find a nicer, kinder person,” Ed Ross added. “He’s a committed, conservative Christian, a tremendous father, a tremendous husband. I couldn’t be more proud of him.”
Jonathan Ross, 43, has been at the center of national debate since the incident, which occurred on January 7, 2026. According to video footage reviewed by multiple news organizations, Renee Good was in her maroon SUV, idling on a snowy street near several government vehicles, when Ross and other ICE agents approached her vehicle. The officers instructed Good to exit the car, and one reached inside through the driver’s side window. At some point, the SUV began to move forward, prompting Ross to draw his firearm and fire multiple rounds, striking Good and causing the vehicle to crash into a nearby telephone pole.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting have been hotly contested. The Trump administration defended Ross’s actions, asserting that Good attempted to run over the officer and labeling the incident an act of “domestic terrorism.” Officials argued that the use of lethal force was justified in the context of a federal enforcement operation where officers believed their lives were at risk. Critics, including state and local authorities, have condemned the response as reckless and excessive. They note that there is no clear evidence Ross or any other officers were in immediate danger, arguing that the incident represents a dangerous overreach by federal agents.
Ed Ross contextualized the incident by citing a prior encounter during which his son was injured in the line of duty. In 2025, during a separate immigration enforcement operation, Ross was reportedly dragged by a vehicle, sustaining injuries that required over two dozen stitches. The elder Ross emphasized that his son’s actions on the day of Good’s death were shaped by the cumulative experience of a decade of federal enforcement work, combined with his prior military service. Jonathan Ross served in Iraq, and his father frequently highlighted his time in the armed forces as evidence of his son’s courage, discipline, and commitment to protecting others.
Neighbors and acquaintances have described Ross as a family-oriented individual, deeply committed to his wife and children. His spouse, a Filipino immigrant who is a U.S. citizen, lives with him in Minneapolis along with their children. Neighbors characterized her as polite and outgoing, and noted that the household maintains a quiet, family-centered lifestyle. Property records indicate Ross purchased a home in Minneapolis in 2015 using a Veterans Administration-backed loan, further highlighting his military background and ties to the community.
While the family emphasizes Ross’s personal virtues, public sentiment has been sharply divided. The shooting sparked protests in Minneapolis, particularly near the location where Renee Good was killed. Community members, advocacy groups, and civil rights organizations have called for independent investigations, alleging that federal agents acted recklessly and questioning whether lethal force was warranted. Good’s death has become a focal point in broader discussions about ICE operations, use-of-force policies, and accountability for law enforcement officers operating under federal jurisdiction.
On the day of the shooting, federal officials arrived at the scene to conduct an enforcement action related to ongoing immigration investigations in the area. Video evidence shows Good remaining in her vehicle as officers attempted to engage her, including one officer reaching into the driver’s side window. Eyewitness accounts suggest that Good attempted to drive away when confronted, prompting Ross to fire. The vehicle ultimately crashed into a telephone pole, leaving Good deceased at the scene. The precise dynamics of the interaction remain under investigation, but federal authorities maintain that Ross acted in accordance with training protocols and the perceived threat presented.
Vice President J.D. Vance commented on the incident, stating that it left him “a little bit sensitive,” reflecting the national significance of the case and the political sensitivity surrounding federal law enforcement’s use of force. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security reiterated that Ross has over ten years of service with ICE, underscoring his experience and familiarity with the complexities of high-risk enforcement operations. DHS officials have resisted publicly releasing Ross’s identity prior to the investigation’s conclusion, citing privacy and security concerns, though his identity quickly became known through media reporting.
The national reaction to the shooting has been intense. Supporters of Ross and the Trump administration argue that federal agents often face dangerous, unpredictable situations that necessitate split-second decisions. They claim that the officers involved acted to protect themselves and others and that the criticism leveled against them overlooks the high-risk nature of enforcement work. Detractors counter that excessive use of force is symptomatic of broader systemic problems within ICE and federal policing, highlighting the need for independent oversight, stricter accountability measures, and reforms to prevent unnecessary loss of life.
Ed Ross emphasized the personal dimension of the story, underscoring his son’s role as a husband, father, and veteran. By portraying Jonathan Ross as a principled individual with a long history of public service, he seeks to contextualize the shooting as an unfortunate but understandable consequence of the pressures inherent in federal law enforcement. According to Ed Ross, his son acted within the bounds of professional responsibility, and any suggestion otherwise misrepresents both his character and the circumstances of the incident.
Observers note that the case exemplifies broader tensions between federal authorities and local communities, particularly in relation to immigration enforcement. Federal agents operate with significant discretion in high-stakes scenarios, but incidents like the shooting of Renee Good provoke public scrutiny, legal challenges, and political debate. Advocates for reform argue that communities should have greater input and oversight regarding enforcement practices, and that clear standards must be established to prevent unnecessary fatalities.
The shooting has also catalyzed discussions about the role of morality, ethics, and accountability in law enforcement. Supporters of Ross frame the event as a tragic but justified response to a perceived threat, emphasizing his training, experience, and prior service in Iraq. Critics emphasize the human cost, questioning whether lethal force was proportional or necessary, and highlighting the societal consequences of federal actions that result in civilian deaths. The tension between these perspectives reflects the polarized nature of public discourse around immigration, federal enforcement, and the appropriate use of force in contemporary America.
Neighbors describe the Ross household as deeply private and family-oriented. They note that despite the controversy, the family has maintained their routines and expressed pride in Jonathan Ross’s professional service. Observers have pointed out that Ross’s political affiliations, including visible support for Trump and conservative causes, may influence public perception, adding a partisan layer to an already contentious situation. Symbols such as Trump stickers and “Don’t Tread On Me” flags at his residence have been noted by local residents as indicative of his ideological leanings.
As investigations continue, federal, state, and local authorities are working to determine the precise legal and procedural outcomes. The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security have all confirmed that an official inquiry is underway. While the Trump administration has publicly defended Ross, asserting that he acted appropriately, state authorities have emphasized that the circumstances demand thorough review, including an examination of whether protocol and standard operating procedures were followed.
Public mourning and protest activity have persisted in Minneapolis, particularly at the site where Renee Good was killed. Community members and civil rights organizations have staged vigils and demonstrations to honor her memory and call for reforms to federal law enforcement practices. These events underscore the broader societal implications of the incident, highlighting the intersection of individual tragedy, systemic policy issues, and public trust in government institutions.
At the national level, the incident has reignited debates over federal immigration policy, use-of-force regulations, and accountability mechanisms for law enforcement officers operating under federal authority. Advocates for reform have pointed to Good’s death as a case study in the potential consequences of aggressive enforcement tactics, while supporters argue that the unique risks faced by ICE agents justify the level of discretion exercised in the field. Both perspectives underscore the complex balance between public safety, individual rights, and officer safety in high-pressure enforcement operations.
Ed Ross’s public defense of his son adds a personal dimension to an already complex narrative. By emphasizing Jonathan Ross’s character, family commitments, and professional background, Ed Ross aims to shift attention from the immediate controversy to the broader context of his son’s life and career. While this defense resonates with some members of the public, it also raises questions about the limits of personal testimony in shaping public opinion, particularly when legal and procedural evaluations remain ongoing.
The case also highlights the evolving role of media coverage in shaping perceptions of law enforcement actions. Video footage, eyewitness accounts, and statements from officials have been widely circulated, contributing to a highly charged public discourse. Social media platforms have amplified both support for and criticism of Ross, reflecting the increasingly mediated nature of national conversations about policing, civil rights, and public accountability.
In summary, the shooting of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross has emerged as a flashpoint for national debate, raising questions about federal law enforcement practices, use-of-force policies, and accountability mechanisms. Ed Ross, the agent’s father, has publicly defended his son, emphasizing his character, professional experience, and prior service in Iraq. The incident continues to spark protests, political commentary, and legal scrutiny, reflecting the complex interplay between individual actions, systemic policies, and public perception in contemporary America. As investigations proceed, the outcome of this case may have significant implications for federal enforcement practices, public trust in government institutions, and the broader societal understanding of the responsibilities and risks faced by law enforcement officers in high-pressure situations.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
