Talking Feds — AG Keith Ellison on Justice for Renee Good, and Minnesota

Host: Harry Litman
Guest: Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
Date: January 22, 2026

Episode Overview

In this special one-on-one episode, Harry Litman interviews Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison amid an unprecedented confrontation between federal and state authorities in Minnesota. The conversation centers on the investigation into the killing of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross and the broader federal law enforcement intervention in Minnesota. Ellison addresses both the on-the-ground realities of the "federal invasion" and the legal and political battles shaping Minnesota's response.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Escalation of Federal Force in Minnesota

• Federal “Invasion”: Thousands of ICE and Border Patrol agents deployed to the Twin Cities, creating an atmosphere likened to “life during wartime” ([04:05]-[06:13]).
• Impact on Civilians: Civil liberties violations, including random stops, chemical agents used on families, and businesses crippled by raids and fear.
  • Keith Ellison ([04:42]):

    "There has been a dramatic escalation in the sheer number of ICE and border control agents, like literally thousands. ... People who are driving, going about their daily business are being stopped, dragged out of their car, tear gassed."

2. Breakdown of Federal-State Communication

• No Dialogue: Ellison describes a near-total lack of communication or willingness to open dialogue from the federal government.
  • Ellison ([06:58]):

    "I invite that dialogue. But so far if there is, I haven't been party to it... I have reached out to our business leaders... If they care about business, it's hurting business... I have not got anybody who said, yeah, I can do that."

3. Federal Tactics: Provocation & Legal Overreach

• Provocation and the Insurrection Act: The influx of federal force appears aimed at provoking a response from Minnesotans to justify invoking the Insurrection Act ([08:06]-[10:30]).
• Ellison Warns: Protesters are urged to remain peaceful to avoid falling into the federal "trap."
  • Ellison ([08:33]):

    "Yeah, it is a policy of provocation, simple as that. ... They would love it if an ICE agent got hurt. ... that would be their open door invitation for the Insurrection Act."

• Democracy at Stake: Ellison posits the real goal is not just local suppression but an attack on democratic institutions—and potentially a pretext for suspending elections.
  • Ellison ([11:10]):

    "These people are done with democracy. They don't like it, they don't want it."

4. Use of Legal Tools & Subpoenas Against State Officials

• Subpoenas As Intimidation: The federal government issues subpoenas to state and city leaders, while refusing to investigate the ICE agent who killed Renee Good ([13:38]-[14:37]).
  • Littman ([13:38]):

    "Officials have been encouraging Minnesotans to exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully. And we learn that subpoenas have been issued to the mayor of Minneapolis, the governor of Minnesota for no possible crime that I can see. But it's definitely an indication to me that there's no ethical, moral, not to mention legal boundary that will stop them."

5. The Killing of Renee Good & Investigative Roadblocks

• Refusal to Investigate: DOJ declines to investigate ICE agent Jonathan Ross; civil rights prosecutors resign in protest ([14:28]-[16:18]).
• Lack of Cooperation: DOJ not sharing evidence with Minnesota prosecutors.
  • Ellison ([15:59]):

    "Never seen it. Never seen it. ... the DOJ, Civil Rights has said they're not even investigating."

  • Littman ([16:10]):

    "The head of DOJ, of course, the civil rights criminal section, four of them resigned over just that."

6. State Legal Strategy & Jurisdiction

• Authority to Prosecute: Ellison underscores the state's right to bring charges against federal agents, referencing historical precedent (Boston Massacre) and rejecting the idea of federal immunity ([17:30]-[19:55]).
  • Ellison ([18:35]):

    "It is within the legal DNA of the United States of America that state courts are courts of plenary jurisdiction. ... There's no legal bar. Now. There is a supremacy clause, limited immunity..."

7. Minnesota Homicide Law & Potential Charges

• Possible Charges: Second-degree unintentional murder (as in the Chauvin/Floyd case), various levels of manslaughter. Emphasis on presumption of innocence and fact-based prosecution ([21:17]-[22:32]).
  • Ellison ([21:17]):

    "You could be talking about second degree murder, unintentional ... then there's manslaughter, there's man two, which would be culpable negligence..."

8. Prosecutor Collaboration

• Ellison & DA Moriarty: Collaborative agreement in investigating/prosecuting Ross; experience and trust from George Floyd prosecution ([23:24]).
  • Ellison ([23:24]):

    "Mary is the lead prosecutor and ... we will work together on the case. ... We're used to working together. ... I have the highest regard for law enforcement. ... But it is necessary [to prosecute]..."

• Division of State & County Roles: County has primary jurisdiction; AG's office assists as needed ([24:12]-[24:52]).

9. Commitment to Full, Fair, and Swift Investigation

• Collection of Evidence: Active already at the state level.
• Federal Obstacles: Key evidence being withheld by DOJ; possible court battles ahead for access.
• No Prejudgment: Firm commitment to ethical prosecution, presumption of innocence, and public accountability ([25:40]-[27:39]).
  • Ellison ([25:40]):

    "We're already at the state level collecting and cataloging evidence that's happening right now..."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "We're organized, we're pushing back. We're protecting the state of Minnesota and democracy writ large." — Keith Ellison [03:34]
• "There has been a dramatic escalation in the sheer number of ICE and border control agents... people are being stopped, dragged out of their car, tear gassed." — Keith Ellison [04:42]
• "It's a policy of provocation, simple as that... they would love it if an ICE agent got hurt. ... that would be their open door invitation for the Insurrection Act." — Keith Ellison [08:33]
• "These people are done with democracy. They don't like it, they don't want it... a childlike, selfish individual who doesn't have any empathy for anyone at all except for themselves." — Keith Ellison [11:10]
• "Never seen it. ... the DOJ, Civil Rights has said they're not even investigating." — Keith Ellison [15:59]
• "It's in the DNA ... that state courts are courts of plenary jurisdiction." — Keith Ellison [18:35]
• "If that happens, it means that somebody has failed absolutely in their oath and obligation. ... Police officers and agents who risk their lives every single day should not have to share a profession with somebody who does not have their high regard for the standards..." — Keith Ellison [23:44]

Important Timestamps

• 03:34: Ellison on resolve and the stakes for democracy.
• 04:42: Detailed account of federal tactics and local suffering.
• 06:58: Ellison describes the total lack of federal-state dialogue.
• 08:33: "Policy of provocation," Insurrection Act analysis.
• 13:38: Discussion of federal subpoenas against state officials.
• 14:28: DOJ refusal to investigate Ross/Resignations.
• 18:35: State's legal authority & Boston Massacre reference.
• 21:17: Explanation of applicable Minnesota charges.
• 23:24: Collaboration with DA Moriarty and the prosecution team.
• 25:40: Ellison on the current status of the investigation and handling of evidence.

Final Thoughts & Tone

Throughout the episode, both host and guest maintain a tone of urgency, resolve, and deep concern—not just for Minnesota, but national democratic norms and the rule of law. Ellison is notably forceful, candid, and unflinching in both his critique of federal overreach and reassurance of Minnesota's commitment to justice and constitutional governance.

This summary covers all key topics and quotes, providing a clear guide for anyone needing to understand this high-stakes legal standoff and Ellison's pivotal role within it.