On January 19, 2026, U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) would not pursue an investigation into the shooting death of Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a 37-year-old mother, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Jonathan Ross on January 7. Blanche stated that the DOJ's civil rights unit would only investigate incidents when deemed appropriate, emphasizing that not every officer-involved shooting warrants an inquiry.

The circumstances surrounding Good's death remain unclear, particularly regarding the delay in medical assistance after the shooting. Reports from Minnesota Public Radio and APM Reports indicate that Good was left unattended for several minutes, raising significant concerns about the actions of the ICE agents present at the scene. A physician who attempted to assist her was reportedly denied access to check her condition.

Public sentiment appears critical of Ross's actions, with a Quinnipiac poll revealing that 82 percent of respondents had seen footage of the shooting, and a majority believed Ross acted improperly. Analysis from The New York Times suggested that Good's vehicle did not pose a threat to Ross at the time of the shooting.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison expressed his lack of surprise at the DOJ's decision, noting that his office, along with Hennepin County District Attorney Mary Moriarty, would continue their own investigation into Good's death. However, they have faced challenges, as the DOJ has not shared evidence related to the case, including shell casings and vehicle details.

In a related development, the DOJ has initiated inquiries into Becca Good, Renee's widow, for her connections to activist groups, as well as into local officials, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, for allegedly obstructing ICE operations. This marks the first acknowledgment from the Trump administration regarding investigations into these Democratic leaders. Frey has publicly stated that he will not be intimidated by the investigation, framing it as an attempt to suppress local governance and protect residents from federal overreach. Walz has similarly criticized the use of the justice system for political intimidation, drawing parallels to other Democratic officials facing scrutiny for their opposition to federal directives.

Ellison remarked on the implications of the DOJ's stance, suggesting it reflects a broader trend of neglecting procedural justice in favor of outcomes that favor law enforcement. He expressed concern over the potential normalization of refusals to investigate law enforcement actions, indicating a need for vigilance in maintaining accountability.