Former federal prosecutors and criminal defence attorneys have raised alarm over what they describe as a highly unusual and obstructive approach by the Trump administration in the investigation of a fatal shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis.
Local Authorities Claim Federal Stonewalling
State and local prosecutors in Minnesota assert that the FBI, which is leading the probe, is actively stonewalling them. The investigation concerns the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was shot and killed in her car on Wednesday by an ICE agent.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated during a press conference on Friday that the FBI has been uncooperative, refusing to share crucial evidence with her office. This lack of collaboration has prompted her to establish an online portal for citizens to submit any information they possess about the incident.
Both Moriarty and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison maintain they possess the authority to investigate the shooting and potentially file charges against the agent, identified as 10-year ICE veteran Jonathan Ross.
A Blocked Investigation and Accusations of a Cover-Up
The Minneapolis Bureau of Criminal Apprehensions (BCA) has also reported being barred from the crime scene, denied access to evidence, and prevented from conducting interviews. In a statement on January 9, the BCA confirmed it is not currently conducting a use-of-force investigation, adding it remains open to a full probe should federal authorities reconsider.
Dan Gelber, a former federal prosecutor and Miami Beach mayor, told Axios the situation resembles a cover-up. Eric Nelson, a defence attorney for former police officer Derek Chauvin, expressed shock at the federal takeover, stating it undermines public trust in the government.
The Department of Justice justified halting cooperation after Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly dismissed the claim that the ICE agent was acting in self-defence. A DOJ official accused local authorities of having no intent to pursue a good-faith investigation.
Trump Administration Defends Agent, Invokes Immunity
President Donald Trump immediately sided with the ICE agent, defending the decision to exclude local authorities whom he labelled crooked. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem characterised Good's alleged conduct—following and harassing agents during an operation—as an act of domestic terrorism and insisted the agent acted in self-defence.
Vice President JD Vance praised Ross, citing a previous incident in June where the agent was dragged 100 yards by a car. Vance asserted Ross has absolute immunity from criminal charges due to being on duty, a claim County Attorney Moriarty directly contradicted, noting Ross does not have complete immunity.
With the Trump administration firmly backing the agent, it is highly unlikely the Department of Justice will pursue federal charges. Any potential prosecution will likely fall to Moriarty's local office, if evidence is ever shared.
