A shooting involving an officer from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis has reignited discussions about law enforcement tactics and policies. On March 15, 2023, ICE officer fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother, while she was in her vehicle. This incident has sparked a divide between federal and local officials regarding the justification of the shooting, highlighting broader concerns about the use of deadly force in law enforcement.
Following the shooting, officials from the Trump administration defended the actions of the ICE officer as warranted, while local officials criticized the decision. This event is expected to lead to renewed scrutiny over the training and policies governing ICE officers, particularly the controversial practice of shooting at moving vehicles. Many police departments have shifted towards prohibiting such actions, a move that has shown promise in reducing fatalities.
Historically, the New York City Police Department banned officers from shooting at vehicles, resulting in a significant decrease in police-related killings without placing officers at greater risk. The consensus among many in the field is clear: policing should prioritize the preservation of human life. While use-of-force policies across various departments reflect this principle, the situation in Minneapolis illustrates that not all agencies adhere to these guidelines.
The ICE policy on shooting at moving vehicles states that officers are prohibited from firing at the operator of a moving vehicle unless there is a significant threat. It explicitly states that deadly force should not be used solely to prevent a suspect from escaping. This point is particularly relevant in evaluating the shooting of Good, as video footage shows one officer attempting to open her car door while another stood in front of the vehicle as she tried to drive away. Shooting to prevent her escape would likely violate ICE’s own policy and contradict the principle of valuing life.
Unlike many police agencies, ICE’s guidelines lack a clear directive for officers to move out of the way of oncoming vehicles when possible. The Department of Justice, on the other hand, makes it explicitly clear that officers should avoid shooting at vehicles if they can protect themselves by simply stepping aside. In March 2022, President Joe Biden mandated federal law enforcement agencies, including ICE, to adopt use-of-force policies that meet or exceed the standards set by the Department of Justice. Yet, the provision requiring officers to step aside from moving vehicles has not been included in ICE’s use-of-force policy.
Prioritizing life does not eliminate the use of deadly force when necessary, such as in situations involving active shooters. However, it does emphasize the importance of considering alternative, less harmful tactics to neutralize threats. The option to step out of the way of an approaching vehicle is a key factor in many cases. This approach not only reduces the risk of harm to the individual in the vehicle but also minimizes potential danger to the officers involved, as shooting does not typically bring a moving car to an immediate halt.
An analysis of policies from the hundred largest police departments in the United States reveals that nearly three-quarters have implemented prohibitions against shooting at moving vehicles. This trend underscores the growing recognition of the need for policies that protect lives while holding officers accountable.
The shooting of Renee Nicole Good serves as a stark reminder of the persistent gap between law enforcement policies and best practices regarding the protection of life. Closing this gap has the potential to save lives and enhance accountability measures. Historical precedents, such as the elimination of the “fleeing felon rule,” which allowed police to shoot fleeing suspects even when they posed no danger, have shown that clear prohibitions can lead to significant reductions in police killings.
Ben Jones, Assistant Professor of Public Policy at Penn State’s Rock Ethics Institute, notes that reforms in law and policy, particularly those that restrict questionable tactics, can create safer environments for both law enforcement officers and the public. The Minneapolis incident is a critical moment for evaluating ICE’s use-of-force policies and their alignment with contemporary best practices in policing. As discussions continue, the focus remains on ensuring that law enforcement operates with a commitment to safeguarding human life above all else.
