The crowdfunding platform GoFundMe is hosting a contentious fundraiser for Jonathan Ross, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent involved in the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a mother of three. This campaign, which aims to raise at least $550,000 for Ross’s potential legal expenses, appears to violate GoFundMe’s terms of service, which prohibit fundraisers tied to violent crimes.
Renee Good was shot and killed during an encounter with ICE agents on January 7 in Minneapolis. The incident is under investigation by the FBI, which has prevented local authorities from participating. Witness videos depict Good’s vehicle reversing toward the ICE agents. In contrast, statements from Trump administration officials claimed she was a "domestic terrorist" who had "weaponized" her vehicle—accounts sharply contradicted by the available video evidence.
Despite GoFundMe’s stated policies against funding legal defenses for individuals accused of violent crimes, the Ross fundraiser has remained active without public explanation from the company. A GoFundMe spokesperson noted that they are reviewing all fundraisers related to the incident but have not clarified why the campaign, which explicitly states its intent to cover Ross’s legal defense, has not faced removal.
In past operations, GoFundMe removed similar campaigns. For instance, it took down fundraisers for officers charged in cases such as the death of Freddie Gray and the shooting of Walter Scott.
Good’s family has launched a separate fundraiser that has successfully raised over $1.5 million to support her widow and children, reflecting widespread public support for her case amidst scrutiny of how the justice system handles incidents involving law enforcement.
