Elizabeth...thank you. I genuinely appreciate that.
Forwarding it to AG Ellison is EXACTLY the kind of pressure in the right direction that actually matters.
These things don’t move because one person writes an article. They move when ENOUGH people....make it harder for officials not to see it...not to read it...and not to respond.
However this shakes out...shining light on it EARLY... and loudly...is how you keep it from quietly disappearing.
He has already spoken on exactly these things. I heard two interviews with him and he stated he isn’t backing down. He gathering evidence. He will push forward. The Fed does not supersede state’s rights. If evidence leads to indictments, he will be ready to prosecute. He isn’t letting snow fall on him.
Someone in Oregon needs to send this to their office of AG too. They are not having good things there and one of thi=eir victims I think was in serious to critical condition.
AGREED. Yes...the more hands/eyes we can get on this, the more likely it happens. The Hennepin DA's office got FLOODED with calls demanding action. That...didn't hurt a damn thing. It's a great boost...when we can specify...EXACTLY what we are demanding.
As soon as the feds denied the state access the first thing I thought was to have Good's wife appointed guardian for her son and file a wrongful death case on his behalf. Make them look terrible if they try to get it dismissed or transferred to federal court. Discovery starts. Immunity is a defense, not a block to filing a case and pursuing it. immunity will be determined b the judge once the facts of the case are determined and the law related to immunity can be applied to them. Heard Keith Ellison yesterday, sounds like he is going to pursue this in spite of the DOj.
Nancy, that instinct is exactly right...and you’re spot-on about why it matters!
A wrongful death case on the child’s behalf...does two critical things at once:
It forces discovery to begin...and it shifts the burden onto the government to defend its conduct in the open.
As you said, immunity is a defense...not a magic forcefield.
Courts don’t decide it in a vacuum...they decide it after facts are developed...and discovery is how those facts surface. (I know so much more about our legal system that I did 10 years ago, and...I'm not particularly thrilled about why.)
Trying to dismiss...or yank a case like that into federal court...would look terrible... ESPECIALLY in light of the FBI locking the state out of evidence.
That kind of procedural maneuvering...only reinforces the perception...that the system is circling the wagons.
And...Ellison’s comments matter.
A state AG, signaling he’ll pursue this....despite DOJ resistance...is EXACTLY how pressure gets applied where it counts.
Whether or not it ultimately succeeds... it raises the cost of obstruction...and makes quiet burial MUCH harder!
You’re thinking about this the right way, Nancy Hoffman.
This may be too wonky but if they did remove it to federal court the choice of law rules would activate and the federal court would have to determine if state or federal law should apply to the case. It well could be that the trial occurs in federal court but Minnesota law would be applicable. It would definitely box in the DOJ.
Jack I read or heard on another substack that the AG of Minneapolis is requesting anyone that has any video or picutres or voice recordings to please share it with them. I think they are going todo their own like you are describing. I hope that this becomes the norm for any states/cities being assaulted by these retched people. We are in for a rough ride with all the fires drumpf is starting. I loved that he oil ceos flat out told drimpf that th evil plans he has are nofeasable or financially worth it. I think they have been burned by him in the past. I hope they hold their ground. This was a great explanation. Thank you #HOLDFAST
That public call for video...photos...and recordings is EXACTLY how cities and states work around a federal evidence grab!
It says, we’re not waiting...and...we’re not letting the facts disappear.
Once third-party evidence starts coming in...control of the story and the record begins to shift.
And, you’re right...this should become the norm. The moment federal agencies wall things off...local authorities and the public have to start building a parallel record.
THAT is how obstruction loses its power.
It is going to be a rough ride. Rougher than hell. There's no question in my mind. There will be more people...including U.S. citizens killed by ICE. We'd be foolish to think otherwise.
But...what you’re pointing to...local officials acting early...people documenting everything... and powerful actors refusing to blindly go along...is what holding the line actually looks like.
Thank you for reading closely and for staying engaged.
Excellent information Jack. It’s my understanding that there ARE local investigations happening into the Renee Good shooting, right? Hennepin County specifically but possibly the state of Minnesota also? Do you have confirmation of that? There is some news to that effect. I know they’re asking for cooperation from anyone who made recordings.. both audio and video or who just witnessed the shooting.
On the civil front… I would expect lawsuits at least from the family members. Does anyone else have standing? Just wondering how much of what you laid out might actually be happening. I’m encouraged by the fact that Gov. Walz isn’t the least bit passive or at least that’s my observation. Also, Mayor Jacob Frey has shown exceptional courage. I’m just hoping that anything and everything that can be done is being done. Renee Good, her family, the people of Minnesota and the country need and deserve that.
This is traumatizing and we have to fight back in the most effective ways we have available to us. I hope that’s already happening.
Great questions, Susan...and...yes, your understanding is largely right.
Local and state officials ARE actively trying to build their own record...even though the FBI has taken exclusive control of the formal investigation.
Hennepin County and AG Ellison have publicly asked for video...audio...photos...and witness accounts precisely because they’ve been cut off from federal evidence.
That’s a clear sign they’re pursuing a parallel...ground-up effort...rather than waiting passively.
On the civil side...you’re also right to expect lawsuits from the family.
Wrongful death claims are the most obvious...likely brought on behalf of Renee Good’s child.
Civil cases don’t depend on DOJ permission....and can force discovery...EVEN when criminal investigations are walled off.
Your read on leadership matters. Walz...Ellison...and Mayor Frey signaling resistance and transparency...helps keep this from quietly disappearing. It doesn’t guarantee outcomes ...BUT... it raises the cost of obstruction.
So...yes, not everything that should be happening...is happening...YET, but much of what CAN be done...already is.
That pressure...legal...public...and political...is exactly what gives accountability a fighting chance.
Thank you Jack. That answers my questions.. at least as much as they can be answered at this point. I appreciate it. It’s somewhat encouraging in a very difficult time.
Forgive me for asking because i don't know the law, but will the process you outline only work in blue states? Red states have a propensity to obscure, detract and support the administration.
Coco...totally fair question, and the short answer is no, it’s not limited to blue states... though it does work faster there. (I live in a very red state...so I've already worked through the question...as it applies to me...as a resident of Missouri.)
The tools I’m talking about aren’t partisan.
Courts...civil lawsuits...discovery...third-party evidence...and public exposure exist in every state.
What changes in red states...isn’t legality... it’s WILLINGNESS and speed.
AGs and governors will be likely to refuse to act...and state prosecutions are less likely.
So...the pressure shifts.
In blue states...it often starts with state officials.
In red states...it starts with private civil litigation...judges...journalists...discovery...and national attention.
That’s slower and messier...BUT...still real. Federal agents don’t gain immunity...just because state leadership is friendly.
And the point isn’t only winning cases. It’s changing BEHAVIOR.
When agencies know evidence won’t stay buried...and depositions are coming...risk re-enters the system...even in hostile states.
Even in red states some elected officials are starting to push back. A state representative in my own red state (Nebraska) has introduced a bill that would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing masks or disguises and would require them to wear identification: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=62717
We need to push our state officials to support and pass such measures!
I've been screaming into the void along the lines you've covered. Timid Timmy's need not apply. But aggressive lawyers can make a way out of "no way" and can push back against the regime with tangible outcomes. I've been a Keith Ellison fan since I was in law school and I knew he wouldn't back away from a fight. I'm proud of my fellow Minnesotans for their defense of Renee Good, their support of Becca, and their continuing protests against ICE. Go Minnesota!!!
Excellent article, Jack! Great points to keep in mind. I heard the Minnesota State AG speak twice today. He’s on top of things. He is gathering the videos and other available evidence and locking it down. He is taking procedural steps to ensure accountability and he stated, “We’ll hold it as long as necessary because TDS2 won’t be in office forever. We’ll ensure anyone they are protecting will be prosecuted if evidence leads to that and Fed cannot supersede State.
Jack, Private litigation will cost... lots. I can donate a small amount to a crowd funding, especially on behalf of all three of her children, not just the six-year-old. Even if you/they/ somebody can find a pro bono attorney, expenses will be high. Depos, expert witnesses, responding to all the bs trump and the loony bin will throw at them.
I cannot even imagine the pain her children and wife are enduring now.
My respect and admiration for the good people of Minneapolis who are marching in winter weather on behalf of Renee.
Our elected representatives in the House and Senate are not coming to rescue us either. There are maybe 10 or 15 real fighters there? It is up to us -- normal, everyday Americans -- to stop this.
My first thought when I saw the videos of the shooting was that this was murder. How do we get this strategy into the hands of the governors and attorney's general so they read it and take action? I would think most state attorney Generals would understand this strategy and make sure their laws were in place should ICE come calling. They have a lot on their table so a reminder might be required.
Fantastic timely article! Thank you Jack! I forwarded this to MN state attorney general Keith Ellison on his BlueSky page. #HOLDFAST
Elizabeth...thank you. I genuinely appreciate that.
Forwarding it to AG Ellison is EXACTLY the kind of pressure in the right direction that actually matters.
These things don’t move because one person writes an article. They move when ENOUGH people....make it harder for officials not to see it...not to read it...and not to respond.
However this shakes out...shining light on it EARLY... and loudly...is how you keep it from quietly disappearing.
-Jack
#HOLDFAST
He has already spoken on exactly these things. I heard two interviews with him and he stated he isn’t backing down. He gathering evidence. He will push forward. The Fed does not supersede state’s rights. If evidence leads to indictments, he will be ready to prosecute. He isn’t letting snow fall on him.
Someone in Oregon needs to send this to their office of AG too. They are not having good things there and one of thi=eir victims I think was in serious to critical condition.
AGREED. Yes...the more hands/eyes we can get on this, the more likely it happens. The Hennepin DA's office got FLOODED with calls demanding action. That...didn't hurt a damn thing. It's a great boost...when we can specify...EXACTLY what we are demanding.
Just sent your article to Dan Rayfield Oregon AG. Thanks
As soon as the feds denied the state access the first thing I thought was to have Good's wife appointed guardian for her son and file a wrongful death case on his behalf. Make them look terrible if they try to get it dismissed or transferred to federal court. Discovery starts. Immunity is a defense, not a block to filing a case and pursuing it. immunity will be determined b the judge once the facts of the case are determined and the law related to immunity can be applied to them. Heard Keith Ellison yesterday, sounds like he is going to pursue this in spite of the DOj.
Nancy, that instinct is exactly right...and you’re spot-on about why it matters!
A wrongful death case on the child’s behalf...does two critical things at once:
It forces discovery to begin...and it shifts the burden onto the government to defend its conduct in the open.
As you said, immunity is a defense...not a magic forcefield.
Courts don’t decide it in a vacuum...they decide it after facts are developed...and discovery is how those facts surface. (I know so much more about our legal system that I did 10 years ago, and...I'm not particularly thrilled about why.)
Trying to dismiss...or yank a case like that into federal court...would look terrible... ESPECIALLY in light of the FBI locking the state out of evidence.
That kind of procedural maneuvering...only reinforces the perception...that the system is circling the wagons.
And...Ellison’s comments matter.
A state AG, signaling he’ll pursue this....despite DOJ resistance...is EXACTLY how pressure gets applied where it counts.
Whether or not it ultimately succeeds... it raises the cost of obstruction...and makes quiet burial MUCH harder!
You’re thinking about this the right way, Nancy Hoffman.
-Jack
This may be too wonky but if they did remove it to federal court the choice of law rules would activate and the federal court would have to determine if state or federal law should apply to the case. It well could be that the trial occurs in federal court but Minnesota law would be applicable. It would definitely box in the DOJ.
Thanks, Jack. I forwarded your Substack to Kent Lovern, Milwaukee County DA in the hopes he’ll act on it (if he hasn’t already). Great job!
OUTSTANDING, PJ. That's how this works!
-Jack
Jack I read or heard on another substack that the AG of Minneapolis is requesting anyone that has any video or picutres or voice recordings to please share it with them. I think they are going todo their own like you are describing. I hope that this becomes the norm for any states/cities being assaulted by these retched people. We are in for a rough ride with all the fires drumpf is starting. I loved that he oil ceos flat out told drimpf that th evil plans he has are nofeasable or financially worth it. I think they have been burned by him in the past. I hope they hold their ground. This was a great explanation. Thank you #HOLDFAST
Teri...you’re seeing it clearly.
That public call for video...photos...and recordings is EXACTLY how cities and states work around a federal evidence grab!
It says, we’re not waiting...and...we’re not letting the facts disappear.
Once third-party evidence starts coming in...control of the story and the record begins to shift.
And, you’re right...this should become the norm. The moment federal agencies wall things off...local authorities and the public have to start building a parallel record.
THAT is how obstruction loses its power.
It is going to be a rough ride. Rougher than hell. There's no question in my mind. There will be more people...including U.S. citizens killed by ICE. We'd be foolish to think otherwise.
But...what you’re pointing to...local officials acting early...people documenting everything... and powerful actors refusing to blindly go along...is what holding the line actually looks like.
Thank you for reading closely and for staying engaged.
#HOLDFAST
-Jack
Thank you Jack for keeping us engaged and how to help keep America free. #HOLDFAST
Teri
Excellent information Jack. It’s my understanding that there ARE local investigations happening into the Renee Good shooting, right? Hennepin County specifically but possibly the state of Minnesota also? Do you have confirmation of that? There is some news to that effect. I know they’re asking for cooperation from anyone who made recordings.. both audio and video or who just witnessed the shooting.
On the civil front… I would expect lawsuits at least from the family members. Does anyone else have standing? Just wondering how much of what you laid out might actually be happening. I’m encouraged by the fact that Gov. Walz isn’t the least bit passive or at least that’s my observation. Also, Mayor Jacob Frey has shown exceptional courage. I’m just hoping that anything and everything that can be done is being done. Renee Good, her family, the people of Minnesota and the country need and deserve that.
This is traumatizing and we have to fight back in the most effective ways we have available to us. I hope that’s already happening.
Thank you Jack!
#HOLDFAST
~Susan
Great questions, Susan...and...yes, your understanding is largely right.
Local and state officials ARE actively trying to build their own record...even though the FBI has taken exclusive control of the formal investigation.
Hennepin County and AG Ellison have publicly asked for video...audio...photos...and witness accounts precisely because they’ve been cut off from federal evidence.
That’s a clear sign they’re pursuing a parallel...ground-up effort...rather than waiting passively.
On the civil side...you’re also right to expect lawsuits from the family.
Wrongful death claims are the most obvious...likely brought on behalf of Renee Good’s child.
Civil cases don’t depend on DOJ permission....and can force discovery...EVEN when criminal investigations are walled off.
Your read on leadership matters. Walz...Ellison...and Mayor Frey signaling resistance and transparency...helps keep this from quietly disappearing. It doesn’t guarantee outcomes ...BUT... it raises the cost of obstruction.
So...yes, not everything that should be happening...is happening...YET, but much of what CAN be done...already is.
That pressure...legal...public...and political...is exactly what gives accountability a fighting chance.
Thank you for staying engaged!
#HOLDFAST
-Jack
Thank you Jack. That answers my questions.. at least as much as they can be answered at this point. I appreciate it. It’s somewhat encouraging in a very difficult time.
Love this column!!! Fantastic directions—I’m up and running, moving directly to stopping ICE in any way I can Thank you!!!!!!
Melinda...I broke into a big smile as I read this. I can FEEL your enthusiasm...and it's infectious! You...are welcome.
-Jack
Forgive me for asking because i don't know the law, but will the process you outline only work in blue states? Red states have a propensity to obscure, detract and support the administration.
Coco...totally fair question, and the short answer is no, it’s not limited to blue states... though it does work faster there. (I live in a very red state...so I've already worked through the question...as it applies to me...as a resident of Missouri.)
The tools I’m talking about aren’t partisan.
Courts...civil lawsuits...discovery...third-party evidence...and public exposure exist in every state.
What changes in red states...isn’t legality... it’s WILLINGNESS and speed.
AGs and governors will be likely to refuse to act...and state prosecutions are less likely.
So...the pressure shifts.
In blue states...it often starts with state officials.
In red states...it starts with private civil litigation...judges...journalists...discovery...and national attention.
That’s slower and messier...BUT...still real. Federal agents don’t gain immunity...just because state leadership is friendly.
And the point isn’t only winning cases. It’s changing BEHAVIOR.
When agencies know evidence won’t stay buried...and depositions are coming...risk re-enters the system...even in hostile states.
Blue states...have an advantage.
Red states...have more friction.
But the playbook...STILL applies.
#HoldFast
-Jack
Even in red states some elected officials are starting to push back. A state representative in my own red state (Nebraska) has introduced a bill that would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing masks or disguises and would require them to wear identification: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=62717
We need to push our state officials to support and pass such measures!
I've been screaming into the void along the lines you've covered. Timid Timmy's need not apply. But aggressive lawyers can make a way out of "no way" and can push back against the regime with tangible outcomes. I've been a Keith Ellison fan since I was in law school and I knew he wouldn't back away from a fight. I'm proud of my fellow Minnesotans for their defense of Renee Good, their support of Becca, and their continuing protests against ICE. Go Minnesota!!!
Excellent article, Jack! Great points to keep in mind. I heard the Minnesota State AG speak twice today. He’s on top of things. He is gathering the videos and other available evidence and locking it down. He is taking procedural steps to ensure accountability and he stated, “We’ll hold it as long as necessary because TDS2 won’t be in office forever. We’ll ensure anyone they are protecting will be prosecuted if evidence leads to that and Fed cannot supersede State.
#HoldFast
#FreezeICE
This should be happening Now in Minnesota
Why haven’t the blue states especially already done this? The voters need to start demanding they do.
Jack, Private litigation will cost... lots. I can donate a small amount to a crowd funding, especially on behalf of all three of her children, not just the six-year-old. Even if you/they/ somebody can find a pro bono attorney, expenses will be high. Depos, expert witnesses, responding to all the bs trump and the loony bin will throw at them.
I cannot even imagine the pain her children and wife are enduring now.
My respect and admiration for the good people of Minneapolis who are marching in winter weather on behalf of Renee.
And to you, Jack, for all you do, thank you.
#HoldFast
Sue
Superb Jack.
Readers and attorneys, get cracking!!!
What other forms
Our elected representatives in the House and Senate are not coming to rescue us either. There are maybe 10 or 15 real fighters there? It is up to us -- normal, everyday Americans -- to stop this.
My first thought when I saw the videos of the shooting was that this was murder. How do we get this strategy into the hands of the governors and attorney's general so they read it and take action? I would think most state attorney Generals would understand this strategy and make sure their laws were in place should ICE come calling. They have a lot on their table so a reminder might be required.