A major legal and political standoff has erupted in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of a woman by a federal immigration agent, with state and local authorities accusing the FBI of an unprecedented stonewall over evidence.
Federal Stonewalling Sparks Outcry
The controversy centres on the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was shot and killed in her car in Minneapolis on Wednesday by an agent from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The FBI is leading the investigation but is now facing fierce criticism for refusing to share materials with local prosecutors.
'This is what a cover-up looks like,' said Dan Gelber, a former federal prosecutor and Miami Beach mayor. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated at a Friday press conference that the FBI has been uncooperative, failing to provide her office with critical evidence. In response, she has set up an online portal for the public to submit information about the shooting.
A Clash of Jurisdiction and Immunity
Both Moriarty and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison assert they have the authority to investigate and potentially charge the ICE agent, identified as 10-year veteran Jonathan Ross. Their position is bolstered by the Minneapolis Bureau of Criminal Apprehensions (BCA), which says it has been barred from the crime scene, denied evidence, and prevented from conducting interviews.
The BCA confirmed in a January 9 statement that it is not currently conducting a use-of-force investigation, adding it remains open to a full probe if federal authorities reconsider. The Department of Justice justified cutting cooperation after Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey dismissed the agent's self-defence claim as 'bull****', alleging local authorities had 'no intent to pursue a good-faith investigation'.
President Donald Trump has sided with the agent, labelling local authorities 'crooked'. Vice President JD Vance claimed Ross has 'absolute immunity' from criminal charges while on duty—a claim County Attorney Moriarty directly contradicted, noting agents typically have qualified immunity from civil, not criminal, suits.
Administration's Defence and Allegations of Terrorism
The Trump administration has uniformly defended Ross's actions. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem characterised Good's conduct, alleging she followed and harassed agents during an operation, as an act of 'domestic terrorism'. Noem stated the agent acted in self-defence, consistent with his training, after the vehicle was used as a weapon.
Vice President Vance further praised Ross, referencing a prior June incident where the agent was dragged 100 yards by a car. He accused Good of being part of a 'broader left wing network' using 'domestic terror techniques'. Given the administration's stance, a federal prosecution appears unlikely, leaving any potential charges to Moriarty's office.
Eric Nelson, a defence attorney in the George Floyd case, warned the federal takeover 'undermines the public trust in the government'. With the FBI retaining control of the crime scene and evidence, the dispute raises profound questions about transparency and accountability in federal law enforcement operations.
