Attorney Antonio Romanucci, Witness Statement before House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight

Chair Van Drew, Chair Jordan, Ranking Member Crockett, Ranking Member Raskin and distinguished Members of the Subcommittee;

My name is Antonio Romanucci, and I am a national civil rights attorney with the deep honor of representing the family of Renee Good for her tragic death by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis. I also represent U.S. citizens whose constitutional rights were violated by federal agents in Chicago.

First, let me express my deepest respect to my co-panelists and mothers who have suffered unthinkable loss and trauma. Your families’ tragedies are inexcusable. We respect your courage. I know, as someone who represents victims of violent crime, that too often the second tragedy is that victims struggle to get the justice they deserve.

We share your concern that America needs common-sense immigration reform.
But marching thousands of masked agents into communities, rounding up Black and Brown people, including children, terrorizing them, while creating collateral damage of death and catastrophic harm to American citizens, is not the answer.

All Americans should feel safe in their own cities where citizens are free from unlawful harm from anyone, including agents of their own government.

Harm of Americans by Americans in American cities is devastating to our Republic. Those who have committed these violations of rights must be held accountable, just as all people who commit violent acts must be held accountable.

Allow me to give insight into the American mother of three, Renee Good, who was killed while she was squarely protected by the First Amendment. Here are the words her brothers spoke to your fellow Members of Congress:

Quote... “The deep distress our family feels because of Renee’s loss in such a violent and unnecessary way is complicated by feelings of disbelief and desperation for change. Our family took some consolation in thinking that perhaps Renee’s death would bring change in our country. It has not. These encounters with federal agents are changing many lives, including ours, forever. The most important thing we can do is help our country understand what a beautiful American we have lost. A sister, daughter, mother, partner and friend.” ... End Quote.

This distress is also felt by Alex Pretti’s family. It is felt by Marimar Martinez in Chicago, shot five times by a federal agent while bringing a donation to church. It is felt by elected official Juan Munoz, who was violently detained and used as a prop for a DHS video. It is felt by children separated from their parents and shipped to detention centers in another state. Family after family. City after city.

The harms by our own federal government in American cities are staggering:  

• Needless injury and death by masked agents undermine trust in all law enforcement.
• Violations of freedom of speech and Fourth Amendment freedom from unlawful search and seizure.
• False statements of absolute immunity for agents, and false narratives about victims.
• Failure to properly investigate claims of police misconduct.

What is not understood is that Renee Good’s family cannot pursue justice against a federal officer the same way as if a state or local officer had fired those gunshots.

This anomaly must end. Federal officers should not receive a special pass on accountability, and there should be a bridge to justice for all victims.

Current law requires you to seek permission from the federal government to file a lawsuit against it, and allows only a trial by a judge, not a jury, in defiance of the 7th Amendment.

Reasonable updates to Section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act or the Federal Tort Claims Act are needed to ensure access to justice and accountability for wrongdoers.

I urge Congress to ensure all people have the right to a jury trial – including those hurt or killed by federal officers.

In conclusion, I deeply respect the mothers who spoke their truths today. Their pain and anger are something no parent should ever experience. The family of Renee Good – and so many other families impacted by the acts of federal agents – have likewise suffered immeasurable pain and anger. And all victims are worthy of the right to seek accountability.

We all want safety and peace. Criminal acts of all kinds must be addressed. Create common-sense immigration policies. Pursue accountability for the harm done by ICE with the same level of commitment that you pursue accountability for all people who commit crimes in this country, and demand full compliance to the Constitution of the United States.

Thank you.