Family of Renee Good hires George Floyd lawyer to go after federal officials

The family of Renee Good has hired a civil rights attorney who previously represented the family of George Floyd as they prepare to file claims against federal officials over her death.

Good’s wife, parents, and siblings have retained Antonio M. Romanucci, a founding partner of the Chicago-based law firm Romanucci & Blandin. Romanucci was among the attorneys who represented the Floyd family following George Floyd’s death in 2020, a case against the City of Minneapolis and four police officers that resulted in $27 million, a record settlement for a case involving claims of police misconduct.

“What happened to Renée is wrong, contrary to established policing practices and procedures, and should never happen in today’s America,” the law firm said in a statement to The Washington Post. The firm added that Good’s family wants “to honor her life with progress toward a kinder and more civil America. They do not want her used as a political pawn, but rather as an agent of peace for all.”

Good’s death has sparked widespread anti-ICE protests across Minnesota, with many on the left accusing federal agents of acting unjustifiably and some issuing threats against the agent's life. Good was shot and killed by a federal agent after she blocked a roadway with her vehicle for several minutes in an effort to impede ICE operations. Authorities say she then rammed an agent with her vehicle, prompting the agent to open fire.

Since the incident, federal officials have increased the number of ICE officers operating in Minneapolis, a move that has coincided with more frequent confrontations between protesters and law enforcement, as well as threats against authorities. 

On Monday, Minneapolis and state officials sued the Trump administration, accusing it of carrying out an “unprecedented surge” of immigration agents that they claim violated the Constitution. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, along with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, asked a federal court to issue a temporary restraining order to block or limit the Department of Homeland Security’s “Operation Metro Surge.” On Wednesday morning, a judge declined to issue the temporary restraining order for now, allowing ICE operations in Minnesota to continue.