Congressional Hearing Amplifies Calls to End Immigration‑Related Violence After Good’s Death
Updated (2 articles)
Hearing Organized by Blumenthal and Garcia Highlights Federal Enforcement Concerns On February 4, 2026, Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Robert Garcia convened a Democratic‑led hearing on Capitol Hill to examine use‑of‑force complaints against Department of Homeland Security agents involved in President Donald Trump’s mass‑deportation agenda [1][2]. The forum featured three civilian witnesses but no DHS officials, underscoring lawmakers’ intent to pressure the agency directly [2]. Organizers framed the event as a “national reckoning” over immigration‑related violence that has intensified in Minneapolis and beyond [1].
Renee Good’s Family Details Fatal Shooting After Dropping Off Child Renee Good, a 37‑year‑old mother of three, was shot by an ICE officer on January 7, 2026, after she dropped her six‑year‑old at school in Minneapolis [1][2]. The administration claimed Good attempted to run over an officer, a narrative rejected by state and local officials who say she was unarmed and complying with commands [1]. Her brothers, Luke and Brett Ganger, testified that the incident was “violent and unnecessary,” emphasizing her character as a “beautiful American” and the broader impact on families [1].
Ganger Brothers Describe Ongoing Community Trauma and Call for Legislative Action Luke Ganger described the scene in Minneapolis as “beyond explanation,” arguing that such encounters are not isolated but reshaping the community permanently [1]. Brett Ganger read a eulogy likening his sister to a dandelion, stressing the need for kindness and systemic change [1]. Both urged Congress to enact legislation curbing immigration‑related violence, linking their sister’s death to a pattern of aggressive federal raids [1].
Additional Cases Reinforce Pattern of Aggressive DHS Tactics CNN reported that Alex Pretti was killed by two federal officers in Minneapolis days after Good’s death, heightening public outrage [2]. Other witnesses recounted a San Bernardino raid where masked CBP agents smashed vehicle windows and fired shots, and the dismissal of charges against Marimar Martinez after a disputed chase with a federal vehicle [2]. An autistic woman, Rahman, described being overwhelmed by conflicting commands and later labeled an “agitator” by DHS, illustrating the agency’s broad use of force [2].
Sources
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1.
AP: Congressional Hearing Amplifies Calls to End Immigration‑Related Violence – Details the February 4 hearing, testimonies of the Ganger brothers, and the disputed narrative surrounding Good’s shooting .
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2.
CNN: DHS Encounters to Be Heard at Capitol Hill Forum – Highlights additional aggressive DHS incidents, including the Pretti killing, Rascon raid, Martinez case, and Rahman’s experience, providing broader context to the hearing .
Timeline
2017‑2020: President Donald Trump launches a mass‑deportation agenda that tasks DHS immigration officers with aggressive enforcement, creating the policy backdrop for later incidents [2].
Jan 7, 2026: Federal ICE officers shoot and kill 37‑year‑old Minnesota mother Renee Good after she drops her 6‑year‑old at school, sparking nationwide outrage; the Trump administration claims she tried to run over an officer, a narrative local officials dispute [2].
Mid‑Jan 2026: Two federal officers shoot and kill protester Alex Pretti in Minneapolis days after Good’s death, intensifying criticism of DHS’s armed, masked tactics in immigration raids and protest crackdowns [1].
Early 2026 (date unspecified): Rascon describes a San Bernardino raid where masked CBP agents in unmarked cars surround his truck, smash windows, and fire shots as the vehicle flees, highlighting aggressive enforcement tactics [1].
Early 2026 (date unspecified): A judge dismisses charges against Marimar Martinez after questioning the investigation into her alleged aggressive chase and ramming of a federal vehicle, underscoring due‑process concerns in DHS encounters [1].
Early 2026 (date unspecified): Autistic woman Rahman tells CNN she feels confused by conflicting shouted orders during an encounter, later labeled an “agitator” by DHS despite her claim she obeyed commands, illustrating the agency’s handling of vulnerable individuals [1].
Feb 4, 2026: Brothers Luke and Brett Ganger testify before a Democratic congressional hearing organized by Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Robert Garcia, urging Congress to curb immigration‑related violence and describing the Minneapolis scenes as “beyond explanation” [2].
Feb 2026 (upcoming): Three witnesses—including Good’s family, Rascon, and Rahman—are scheduled to testify at a Capitol Hill forum organized by Sen. Blumenthal and Rep. Garcia, with no DHS officials expected to appear, aiming to spotlight aggressive immigration enforcement tactics [1].
Post‑Feb 2026 (future): Lawmakers consider legislative proposals to limit DHS’s use of force and require transparency in immigration raids, driven by the testimonies and public outcry over Good’s killing and subsequent incidents [2].
External resources (3 links)
- https://x.com/DHSgov/status/2011856404760637542 (cited 1 times)