A senior US Border Patrol commander, closely associated with former President Donald Trump's immigration policies, has publicly defended an ICE agent who fatally shot a woman during a protest, framing the incident as a clear case of self-defence.
Commander Cites 'Means, Intent and Opportunity'
Greg Bovino, speaking to Fox News on Monday, praised ICE agent Jonathan Ross for his actions during the confrontation that led to the death of Renee Nicole Good. Bovino analysed the events using a common law enforcement framework, stating Good's actions provided "means, intent and opportunity".
"Did that individual have the intent?" Bovino asked. "Look at those minutes leading up to the shooting and we will see what I would consider some pretty important intent." He described Good's vehicle as a "four-thousand pound missile" headed toward Ross. "A four-thousand pound missile is not something anyone wants to face, especially in a split second decision-making process," he added.
Bovino concluded, "Hats off to that ICE agent, I'm glad he made it out alive, I'm glad he's with his family."
Divisive Incident Sparks Million-Dollar Fundraisers
The shooting has ignited intense political division. While Democrats and liberal celebrities have widely condemned the agent's actions, the Trump administration has offered its full support, arguing Ross acted in self-defence.
This polarisation is reflected in public fundraising efforts. A GoFundMe campaign for Good's wife, Rebecca, and her three children raised over $1.5 million from more than 38,500 donations in just four days before closing. The funds will be placed in a trust, including for Good's six-year-old son.
Conversely, a separate fundraiser for agent Jonathan Ross has surpassed $300,000, aided by a donation from hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman. The organiser of Ross's fundraiser described Good as a "domestic terrorist" and called the officer's actions "1,000 percent justified".
Video Evidence and Ongoing Investigations
Newly emerged footage shows Good and her wife taunting agents before the shooting. Surveillance video also indicates Good blocked a road with her SUV for approximately four minutes prior to the incident.
Recordings show Ross approaching Good's stationary Honda Pilot. As the vehicle began to pull forward, he fired three shots and jumped back. It remains unclear from the videos if the vehicle made contact with him. The SUV subsequently crashed into parked cars.
The FBI is now investigating the deadly use of force, and some protesters are demanding criminal charges against Ross. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has defended Ross as an experienced professional who followed his training.
Agent Ross is an Iraq War veteran with nearly two decades of service. He was seriously injured just six months prior in a separate incident where he was dragged 100 yards by a car, requiring 33 stitches.
