DOJ Declines Civil Rights Probe into Minneapolis ICE Officer’s Killing of Renee Good
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The Department of Justice announced on Tuesday that it will not initiate a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis. This decision marks a notable shift from prior administrations, which have typically launched Justice Department civil rights reviews promptly following fatal law enforcement encounters, even when criminal charges appeared unlikely.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed to Fox News Digital that “there is currently no basis” for a civil rights probe related to Good’s death. According to sources familiar with the matter, lawyers from the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division were informed last week that they would not participate in the investigation at this time, signaling a departure from past practice.
The killing occurred amid heightened tensions in Minneapolis, where protests and confrontations involving ICE agents have drawn national attention. The incident has spurred an ongoing FBI criminal investigation, but the DOJ’s refusal to pursue a separate civil rights inquiry has raised questions among civil liberties advocates and local officials.
Renee Good’s death has been a focal point in debates over law enforcement accountability and immigration enforcement tactics. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, which oversees immigration enforcement operations, has faced criticism in Minneapolis for its approach amid community resistance. Meanwhile, the DOJ Civil Rights Division historically plays a critical role in investigating potential violations of constitutional rights by law enforcement officers.
Local officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have expressed concerns about ICE operations in the city, with some labeling certain actions as “unconstitutional conduct.” The Department of Homeland Security has responded by increasing federal agent presence in the area to support ICE activities, citing the need to maintain law and order.
While the FBI continues its criminal probe into the circumstances surrounding Good’s death, the DOJ’s decision not to open a civil rights investigation has drawn scrutiny. The Federal Bureau of Investigation remains the lead agency conducting the criminal inquiry, focusing on whether any federal laws were violated during the incident.
Advocacy groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union have criticized the DOJ’s stance, arguing that a thorough civil rights review is essential to ensure accountability and transparency. The decision also diverges from previous cases where the Justice Department swiftly launched civil rights investigations following fatal encounters involving federal officers.
As the FBI investigation proceeds, the community and national observers await further developments. The DOJ’s announcement underscores the complexities involved in balancing law enforcement operations with civil rights protections, particularly in politically charged environments like Minneapolis.
For now, the focus remains on the FBI’s ongoing work to determine the full circumstances of Renee Good’s death and whether any federal criminal statutes were violated during the incident.
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