Key Takeaways
- A 37-year-old woman, Renee Good, was shot and killed by ICE during a raid.
- Vice President JD Vance claimed the officers have absolute immunity.
- Voting rights lawyer Marc Elias calls that claim a lie and a crisis.
- Experts say no law grants officers total immunity for deadly force.
- Protests flare and calls grow to hold Homeland Security leaders accountable.
Vance’s Absolute Immunity Claim Under Fire
Last week, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good as she tried to drive away from a raid in Minneapolis. The killing sparked protests across the country. People also demanded the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. During a press conference at the White House, Vice President JD Vance declared that the agents have absolute immunity. On Sunday, voting rights lawyer Marc Elias publicly disputed that statement. Elias called Vance’s claim a lie and a “constitutional crisis.”
What Happened in Minneapolis
In the early hours of the raid, ICE agents surrounded a home where Good lived. She climbed into her car to leave. According to bystanders, she did not pose a threat when an agent opened fire. Video from the scene shows the car moving slowly. Good’s death fueled anger among neighbors and activists. Peaceful protests turned into large marches in several cities. Demonstrators held signs that read “Justice for Renee Good” and “No More Immunity.”
Vance’s Claim of Absolute Immunity
At the White House event, JD Vance argued that federal agents cannot face legal trouble for actions carried out on duty. He used the phrase “absolute immunity.” Vance said agents act under the law and deserve full protection in court. He framed any challenge to that idea as an attack on law enforcement. His words came just days after the deadly shooting.
Lawyer Marc Elias Fires Back
Marc Elias, a veteran voting rights lawyer, sharply criticized Vance’s remarks in an interview with political YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen. Elias said, “This entire press conference by JD Vance was a constitutional crisis in a nutshell.” He noted that Vance went to Yale Law School and knows the rules. Elias accused him of twisting the law to protect an agency under fire.
Elias explained that no legal doctrine grants officers total protection from civil suits when they use lethal force. He said, “JD Vance saying that there is absolute immunity is a lie. He knows it’s a lie because he’s a Yale-trained lawyer. He’s saying it to smear the victim of a tragic shooting.” Elias argued such misleading language undermines public trust in justice.
Understanding Absolute Immunity
The term absolute immunity appears often in legal discussions. However, absolute immunity usually applies only to judges and legislators in certain acts. It shields them from lawsuits over official decisions. For example, a judge cannot be sued for a ruling made in court. But law enforcement officers do not enjoy this level of protection when they use force.
In most cases, officers have qualified immunity. Qualified immunity can block lawsuits unless the officer violated a clearly established right. That standard lets some bad actions go unpunished. Even so, it differs sharply from absolute immunity. Qualified immunity still allows many excessive-force claims to proceed. By contrast, absolute immunity would block nearly all lawsuits.
Why It Matters
By claiming absolute immunity, Vance shifted focus away from the killing of Renee Good. His statement drew fierce backlash. Civil rights groups warned that if agents truly had absolute immunity, no one could hold them accountable in court. This, they say, would weaken civil liberties across the board.
Moreover, legal experts worry that Vance’s view could spread. If politicians embrace absolute immunity for federal agents, similar claims might arise in state and local law enforcement debates. That could erode the checks designed to prevent abuse of power.
Calls for Accountability Grow
Since the shooting, activists have pushed for Kristi Noem’s impeachment as Homeland Security Secretary. They argue a failure to discipline agents shows a lack of leadership at the agency’s top. Meanwhile, Congress faces mounting pressure to hold hearings on law enforcement immunity. Lawmakers in both parties have expressed concern about unchecked use of force.
Several members of Congress have requested documents from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. They want internal communications about Good’s death and any attempts to investigate the shooting. Public records requests aim to shed light on how agents operate during raids.
How the Debate Unfolds
As protests continue, the clash over absolute immunity frames the larger fight over policing and accountability. On one side, officials like JD Vance warn that limiting immunity could hamper officers. They say agents need full protection to carry out tough tasks safely. On the other side, critics like Marc Elias insist no one should be above the law.
In the coming weeks, expect both sides to rally supporters. Community groups may stage more demonstrations. Congressional committees could schedule hearings. Meanwhile, families affected by federal raids will push for policy changes. All the while, the legal question of absolute immunity remains at the heart of the controversy.
The Road Ahead
The battle over absolute immunity is far from over. Legal challenges could end up in federal courts. Lawyers may test the boundaries of qualified immunity and seek clearer rules on deadly force. Congress might pass new laws to limit or expand protections for agents. At the same time, public opinion will shape how politicians respond.
For Renee Good’s family, each new debate brings sharp pain. They want justice and answers, not broad legal cover for agents. Activists vow to keep spotlighting the case until someone is held accountable. How the Biden administration and Congress react may influence future raids and law enforcement policies.
In the end, the fight over absolute immunity is more than a legal puzzle. It touches on trust in government, the right to protest, and the value of every life. As Marc Elias warned, misleading claims can lead to a deeper crisis. Now, all eyes are on Washington and the courts to see whether true checks on power will endure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does absolute immunity mean for law enforcement?
Absolute immunity would block almost all lawsuits against officers for on-duty actions. Law enforcement normally has only qualified immunity, which allows suits if rights were clearly violated.
Can Congress change immunity rules for ICE agents?
Yes. Congress can pass laws to limit or expand legal protections for agents. That requires approval by both houses and the president’s signature.
What is qualified immunity?
Qualified immunity protects officers from lawsuits unless they violate clearly established rights. It balances the need to shield officers from endless suits with accountability for abuses.
Why are people calling for Kristi Noem’s impeachment?
Protesters argue that as Homeland Security Secretary, Noem oversees ICE. They claim she failed to hold agents accountable for Renee Good’s death and needs to face congressional scrutiny.