The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent involved in the fatal shooting of a woman during a protest in Minneapolis has become a millionaire after receiving massive support from online crowdfunding campaigns.
Million-Dollar Donations and Political Backing
Officer Jonathan 'Jon' Ross, 43, has amassed more than $1 million in total donations from supporters on the platforms GoFundMe and GiveSendGo. Neither campaign was created by Ross himself. The GoFundMe page, organised by Clyde Emmons, has received over $747,000. Emmons branded the victim, Renee Nicole Good, a 'domestic terrorist' and stated Ross was '1000 percent justified'.
A separate campaign on GiveSendGo, created by Tom Hennessey, has raised more than $279,000. Hennessey called Good a 'radical leftist agitator' and urged 'America First patriots' to support Ross, who he said 'fired in self-defense'.
While most of the more than 21,000 donations were anonymous, billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman was listed as the top donor on GoFundMe, contributing $10,000. Ackman, who endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 election, described the shooting as a 'tragedy' and noted he tried to donate to a fundraiser for Good's family, but it had closed after raising over $1.5 million.
The Shooting and Ongoing Investigations
The incident occurred on January 7. Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother-of-three, was shot dead after refusing ICE orders to get out of her car during a protest in Minneapolis. The Trump administration defended Ross's actions, claiming he fired in self-defence while standing in front of Good's moving vehicle. This account has been disputed by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, based on video evidence.
Ross suffered internal bleeding to his torso during the encounter and was taken to hospital but released the same day. The FBI is conducting a thorough inquiry into the shooting, although sources suggest Ross is 'increasingly unlikely' to face criminal charges. Notably, the civil rights division of the Department of Justice has not opened a probe into whether Ross violated Good's federal rights.
Federal investigators are reportedly examining Good's possible connections with activist groups protesting Trump's immigration policies. The DOJ is also planning to look into activists involved in Minneapolis neighbourhood ICE watch activities, whom they believe were 'instigators'.
Families Seek Justice and Legal Counsel
Good's family has hired the Chicago-based firm Romanucci & Blandin, which represented George Floyd's family, to conduct a civil investigation. In a statement, they urged the public not to use her death as a political flashpoint and said they want her remembered as 'an agent of peace'.
Conversely, Ross has sought legal counsel from Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Chris Madel. Madel confirmed his involvement and stated Ross has applied for legal representation under federal regulations, which could mean defence by DOJ officials if needed.
GiveSendGo co-founder Jacob Wells confirmed all funds from his platform will go directly to Ross, with some already released. A spokesperson for GoFundMe indicated they typically only suspend campaigns for people charged with a crime.
The case remains a highly politicised flashpoint in the US, highlighting deep divisions over immigration enforcement and police use of force.
