U.S. Senator Tina Smith Hears from Renee Good’s Family Members and Firsthand Witness of Alex Pretti’s Killing in Public Testimony to Congress

“We all want our law enforcement officers to perform at the highest standards, but when they don’t, it shouldn’t matter who their employer is. There should be a path to justice for those they harm,” said Brent Ganger, brother of Renee Good . WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) heard testimony from three witnesses regarding the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during Operation Metro Surge. Witnesses included the mother and brother of Renee Good, Donna and Brent Ganger, and the bystander who recorded the killing of Alex Pretti, Stella Carlson. Their testimony was part of a spotlight forum on fatal shootings at the hands of immigration agents. “I want to particularly thank the Ganger family, Donna and Brent, and Stella, who was here in many ways, speaking for all of us from Minnesota,” said Senator Smith. “How do you move forward when there hasn’t been accountability for these crimes, and when there isn’t some sense that these agents going forward are going to be held accountable? Accountability and a free and fair investigation might be partisan issues inside this building, they are not partisan issues out in the country.” “I want to express my deepest condolences to all of the other families here today. I know the pain you are in, the frustration and helplessness… but also the HOPE that America can still do the right thing on behalf of our loved ones. I am here alongside my oldest son, Brent, on behalf of our large family. Members of Congress, we need your help,” said Donna Ganger, mother of Renee Good, in written testimony. “Our family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community in Minneapolis, from people across the country and around the world. The prayers and words of support have truly brought us comfort. It is meaningful that these sentiments have come from people of all colors, faiths and ideals. That is a perfect reflection of Renee. But thoughts and prayers are not enough. We need action. We need accountability. We need this never, ever to happen again and destroy another family or another community.” “You’ve heard from my mother that she is a Republican, and that I consider myself moderate. We have other family members who lean more to the left. I speak to all members of Congress… including those who chose not to attend today but who I hope are listening. Our family proves that even in the darkest of times, we can and should stay united. We expect nothing less from the leaders in this country and in Congress,” said Brent Ganger, brother of Renee Good, in written testimony. “We all want our law enforcement officers to perform at the highest standards, but when they don’t, it shouldn’t matter who their employer is. There should be a path to justice for those they harm.” “On the morning of Saturday, January 24, I was getting ready to go to work in Minneapolis. I was supposed to be at a church community gathering, face painting children for three hours. And then I heard the whistles,” said Stella Carlson, the bystander who recorded the killing of Alex Pretti, in written testimony. “The truth does not become less true because someone with great power tells a louder lie. Although I was terrified, in that moment, I knew that I had to keep recording and to bear witness. I knew that I could not look away. And so have so many other people in my community throughout Metro Surge and sadly in a growing list of places from California and Illinois to Texas and Maine and beyond.” You can watch and download Brent and Donna Ganger’s testimony here . You can watch and download Stella Carlson’s testimony here . You can watch and download Senator Smith’s questioning here. On January 7, 2026, an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year old mother, who was in her car on Portland Avenue South in Minneapolis. For six months following the shootings, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Department of Justice (DOJ) prevented state and local law enforcement from investigating both shootings. Prominent members of the Trump Administration, including then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, falsely described Ms. Good’s actions as domestic terrorism. There has been no reported material progress on these federal investigations. On January 24, 2026, Customs and Border Patrol agents fatally shot Alex Pretti on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis. Pretti was shot at least 10 times. Ms. Carlson’s video is a key piece of evidence in refuting the Department of Homeland Security’s account of the shooting, where they described Pretti as a domestic terrorist. ###