Holding Our Families Close in a Moment of Fear Following Fatal Shooting of LGBTQ+ Parent, Renee Good, by ICE Officer
In the wake of Renee Good’s untimely death, Family Equality urges action and community support.
Minneapolis, MN – This Wednesday, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed a 37 year-old LGBTQ+ mother of three, Renee Good, not far from where George Floyd was murdered in 2020. As details continue to emerge, the weight of this moment is already being felt in Good’s local community and far beyond Minnesota. In response, Family Equality releases the following statement (attributable to Darra Gordon, CEO of Family Equality):
“Many of us woke up with heavy hearts today as news of the death of Renee Good continues to spread. To Renee’s family and friends, we hold you in our hearts and we extend our deepest condolences. No one should have to endure the senseless loss of an innocent parent, a wife, and a friend at the hands of authoritarianism. We also recognize that today’s tragic headline is just one example of how ICE has deeply harmed and violated our families and communities in the past several months and years. Make no mistake: This is not an isolated incident.
“We’ve heard from families in Minneapolis and in all corners of the United States who are scared to even send their children to school for fear of having ICE officials stationed in the area when school lets out. For families who are LGBTQ+, immigrant, multiracial, undocumented, or living at the intersections of these identities who carry so much uncertainty, grief, and exhaustion as you navigate how to protect your children, your partners, and your communities in moments that feel increasingly unpredictable — you’re not alone.
“We support the people of Minnesota, and families in states across the country that have suffered loss and strain at the hands of ICE agents. There’s no perfect response to a moment like this one, but we know it’s important now more than ever to care for ourselves and one another. Pause and check-in with yourself and your loved ones. Lean on your community. Be gentle with yourself if you feel overwhelmed, angry, numb, or exhausted, and allow yourself permission to limit exposure to the nonstop news and social media if needed.
“Many of us grieve by turning to action. If you’re looking for meaningful steps to take, consider the following:
- Reach out locally to mutual aid groups, immigrant support organizations, or LGBTQ+ community centers providing on-the-ground assistance.
- Rely on verified local reporting and avoid spreading unconfirmed information, which can unintentionally increase fear.
- Contact local and state leaders to demand policies that protect families, prioritize de-escalation, and ensure schools and community spaces remain safe.
- Look for opportunities to show up for the community members at the margins who feel especially targeted and alone.
- Stay connected with Family Equality.
“We will continue to listen to families, share resources, and advocate for policies that ensure all families can live with safety, dignity, and belonging.
“At moments like this, we are called back to the values that define us as a nation – and the belief that families deserve safety, dignity, and the freedom to live without fear. Caring for one another — especially in times of grief and uncertainty — is not only a moral responsibility, but a reflection of who we are and who we strive to be.
“When we protect families, we protect the very fabric of our democracy.”
Immigration Resources:
- National Immigration Law Center (multilingual resources)
- National Immigration Legal Services Directory (multiple languages)
- ACLU’s Know Your Rights Guide (English y Español)
About Family Equality
Family Equality is the only national organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the freedoms of all LGBTQ+ families through bold advocacy, transformative education, and powerful community building.
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