The man at the center of a national controversy is, according to those who know him best, a man of deep faith and unwavering devotion to family. Jonathan Ross, a 43-year-old U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, is now facing intense scrutiny following a fatal shooting in Minneapolis that has ignited protests and debate.
Ross’s father, Ed Ross, paints a portrait of a son far removed from the image being projected in the aftermath of Wednesday’s incident. He describes a “kinder” and “nicer” person, a “tremendous” husband and father, and a man deeply committed to his Christian beliefs.
The shooting occurred after federal officials allege Renee Nicole Good attempted to strike Ross with her vehicle. This incident unfolded against a backdrop of growing tension surrounding ICE’s actions, but for Ross’s family, it’s a deeply personal tragedy.
Jonathan Ross is an Iraqi War veteran, having served his country before dedicating his career to law enforcement. He married his wife, a Filipino-American, in 2012, and his in-laws are respected medical professionals practicing in the Philippines.
Ross joined ICE in 2013 and quickly became a key member of the Minneapolis-based Enforcement Removal Operations Special Response Team. This unit is comprised of highly trained tactical agents prepared for dangerous situations.
The incident with Good isn’t the first time Ross has faced a harrowing encounter in the line of duty. Last year, during a traffic stop in Bloomington, Minnesota, he was violently dragged by a vehicle for nearly 300 feet after an individual refused to cooperate.
That June encounter left Ross hospitalized with severe injuries, requiring 33 stitches to repair damage to his arm and hand. He had broken the car window while attempting to secure the suspect, Roberto Carlos Munoz, who then accelerated, trapping Ross’s arm.
The details of both incidents reveal a pattern of escalating danger faced by ICE agents in the field. While the recent shooting continues to fuel public outcry, Ross’s family insists the incident is a far cry from the narrative being presented, emphasizing his character and dedication to duty.
