Officials from the Trump administration unintentionally assisted reporters in identifying Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents linked to a shooting incident in Minnesota by disclosing information about their backgrounds.
Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem mentioned that the officer who fired at a driver had been dragged by a car during a previous pursuit in June. The comment was meant to defend the agent, yet it seems a journalist and online sleuths were able to connect the dots, discovering that the officer involved, identified as Jonathan Ross, had a ten-year history in immigration enforcement.
In the context of this incident, a court case from June 17, 2025, suggests the gunman, who shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Goode during a protest, is linked to earlier actions that involved Ross being partially inside the vehicle and consequently dragged about 100 meters.
Vance defended Ross’s actions, noting, “Six months ago, this very ICE officer received 33 stitches in his leg and was nearly killed by a car. So you think he might be a little sensitive about someone hitting them with a car?”
The Guardian was among the first to name Ross, citing “court records that closely align with the June 2025 event involving the agent” which had also been referenced by Noem and Vance. The White House hasn’t made any official comments but directed inquiries to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The Trump administration maintains that anonymity is crucial for the safety of ICE officers, reiterating this stance in discussions with media, although they didn’t address why Ross’s involvement in the June event became publicly known.
“We are not releasing the name of this officer. He acted in accordance with his training,” said DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin. She emphasized that transparency could jeopardize the safety of officers and their families, especially given the risks they face from violent individuals. Additionally, she criticized the Minnesota Star Tribune for being one of the first to disclose Ross’s identity, stating, “The release of their identities would put their lives and the lives of their families at serious risk.”
