In the wake of the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, 37, by a federal ICE agent in Minneapolis, her heartbroken mother, Donna Ganger, spoke with raw emotion about the daughter she describes as one of the kindest people she’d ever known — someone whose final moments were likely marked by fear, not defiance.
Ganger told reporters her daughter was “probably terrified” during the confrontation that led to her death, rejecting narratives claiming Good was involved in protest activity or intentionally interfering with federal agents. Instead, she emphasized that her daughter was not part of any protest or obstruction, and that the tragic encounter unfolded as Good was trying to leave the area when agents approached her vehicle.
Remembered as a devoted mother of three, a creative spirit, and a caring neighbor, Renee was described by her mother as “extremely compassionate… loving, forgiving, affectionate… an amazing human being” who had spent her life taking care of others. Ganger’s powerful tribute painted a picture of a woman whose identity was rooted in kindness and empathy — far removed from the turmoil that ended her life.
Good’s death — which happened on Portland Avenue in Minneapolis just blocks from her home — has triggered wide public reaction, with city officials, activists, and loved ones all calling for a thorough investigation and accountability. Some eyewitness accounts and video footage have fueled debate over the use of force by the ICE officer involved, with critics saying there was no clear threat that would justify deadly force.
For her mother and family, the loss is deeply personal and profoundly painful. Donna Ganger’s words stand as both a tribute and a testament to who Renee truly was: a woman defined not by how she died, but by the warmth, love, and compassion she showed in every moment of her life.