In Minneapolis, protests erupted following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. The incident prompted demonstrations against recent immigration enforcement actions by the Trump administration.
Bill Ackman’s Support for ICE Agent
Billionaire investor Bill Ackman contributed $10,000 to a fundraiser aimed at supporting Jonathan Ross, the ICE officer involved in Good’s death. Over 8,000 donations have been made to the GoFundMe campaign, created by Clyde Emmons, which has raised over $660,000 as of January 13.
Ackman, who is the founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, expressed that he supports legal defense for individuals he believes are innocent. “I strongly believe that only a detailed forensic investigation will determine whether Ross is guilty of murder,” he stated on social media.
Details of the Fundraiser
- Fundraiser Name: Unverified GoFundMe for Jonathan Ross
- Amount Raised: Over $660,000
- Date Created: January 9
- Top Donations: $10,000 from Bill Ackman and another $10,000 anonymous donation
The GoFundMe campaign aims to cover potential legal costs for Ross, who is a U.S. Army veteran with deployment experience in Iraq. Emmons, the fundraiser’s creator, emphasized that he believes Ross acted justifiably in the incident.
Community Reactions and Protests
The shooting triggered protests with significant local opposition to ICE’s operations. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the presence of federal enforcement in the city, stating it undermines community safety.
“We demand that ICE leave the city and state immediately,” Frey declared, backed by local leaders. Protests have continued to challenge both federal policies and the specific actions taken by ICE agents.
Legal and Political Implications
As of January 12, no charges had been filed against Jonathan Ross, and the Department of Justice had not announced intentions to do so. Several lawmakers have called for his arrest, but statements from officials within the Trump administration suggest that a federal prosecution is unlikely.
GoFundMe is currently reviewing the fundraiser linked to the shooting. They have stated that campaigns raising money for the legal defense of those formally charged with violent crimes may be removed, pending their investigation.
Conclusion
The case surrounding Good’s death remains contentious as it continues to capture national attention. Ackman’s contribution to the ICE agent’s defense illustrates ongoing divisions in public opinion regarding immigration enforcement in the United States.
