The brother of a protester fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis has delivered an emotional testimony describing how ongoing immigration enforcement actions following her death remain 'beyond explanation' to his family and community.
Family's Hopes for Change Dashed by Continuing Crackdown
Luke Ganger, whose sister Renee Nicole Good was killed during an altercation with federal agents on January 7, told lawmakers during a Capitol Hill hearing that his family had initially hoped her death might prompt meaningful reform.
'In the past weeks, our family took some consolation thinking that perhaps her death would bring about change in our country, and it has not,' Ganger stated during testimony before Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Representative Robert Garcia of California.
'The completely surreal scenes taking place on the streets of Minneapolis are beyond explanation.'
Community Living in Fear as Enforcement Continues
The hearing, part of an inquiry into federal agents' use of force, revealed how Minneapolis residents, particularly within Hispanic and Latino communities, remain terrified to leave their homes despite widespread outrage over the shootings.
'This is not just a bad day or a rough week or isolated incidents; these encounters with federal agents are changing the community and changing many lives, including ours, forever,' Ganger explained.
He described the particular difficulty of explaining the situation to his young daughter, who was close to her aunt.
'I still don't know how to explain to my four-year-old what these agents are doing when we pass by,' he told the assembled lawmakers.
Two Fatal Shootings Within Weeks Spark National Outrage
The incident involving Good occurred when agent Jonathan Ross fired three shots through her car windshield as she attempted to escape an altercation. Video footage from multiple angles has circulated widely, fueling protests across the United States.
Just three weeks later, on January 28, federal law enforcement fatally shot 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti in another Minneapolis incident, further escalating tensions.
Despite the national attention and public outcry, a heavy immigration enforcement presence has reportedly remained in the city, with many residents describing feeling terrorized in their own neighborhoods.
Brother's Tribute Highlights Victim's Character
Luke Ganger was joined at the hearing by his brother Brent, who shared portions of his obituary for Good, describing her as possessing a radiant spirit that brought light to difficult situations.
'Renee had a way of showing up in the world that made you believe things were going to be okay, not because she ignored the hardship, but because she chose optimism anyway,' Brent Ganger read.
'She chose to look for what was good, what was possible and what was worth loving. Nene loved fiercely, openly and without hesitation.'
He emphasized his sister's belief in redemption and improvement, stating 'she believed in second chances' and that 'she believed tomorrow could be better than today.'
Lawmakers Respond to Emotional Testimony
Following the brothers' statements, Senator Blumenthal thanked them for what he called their 'powerful appeal to the nation's conscience.'
The senator expressed hope that colleagues would join efforts to address what he described as 'the lawless brutality that caused her death – literally murder.'
The hearing represents one of the first formal congressional examinations of the Minneapolis incidents, which have become focal points in broader debates about immigration enforcement practices and federal agents' use of force in American communities.
