On Sunday, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressed frustration with CBS News host Margaret Brennan for mentioning the name of an ICE agent involved in the shooting death of Renee Goode earlier this month. During an interview, Brennan inquired about Jonathan Ross, the ICE officer who shot Goode in Minneapolis, and the nature of his injuries. Federal officials indicated that Goode had acted in self-defense when driving towards the agents.
Noem firmly requested, “Please don’t say his name. Just to be clear, we shouldn’t be keeping law enforcement in the dark when death threats against people are up 8,000 percent.” Brennan responded that the agent’s name had already been publicized.
Continuing her point, Noem added, “We know that, but it doesn’t mean we should keep saying that. He was hit by a car that nearly took his life, and then there were further attacks on him and his family, placing them in peril. Law enforcement officers are facing death threats daily, and even being attacked in hotels.” Brennan asked for more details on how the ICE officer sustained his injuries.
Noem reiterated the importance of the officer’s privacy regarding medical details, pointing out that CBS reported he had internal bleeding but was released the same day. “So did he go back to work?” Brennan pressed.
When asked if Ross followed the necessary protocols and received a suspension, Noem explained, “We followed the exact same procedures we’ve always employed in these situations.” She declined to elaborate on the officer’s medical records, emphasizing that sharing such information was his choice.
Brennan then probed whether ICE officers were under investigation or if there would be a review of protocols after the incident. Noem confirmed that the standard investigative process was in place, noting, “It’s the same review that the Biden administration utilized. We haven’t changed anything.”
The controversy surrounding Goode’s death has prompted several Democratic lawmakers to call for Noem’s impeachment. Representative Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota, stated, “ICE’s reckless actions took a mother of three, a wife and partner, and caused immeasurable pain to our community. We will continue fighting until we achieve justice and accountability. We must ensure that ICE cannot act as judge, jury, and executioner.” Omar stressed the need for a transparent investigation and legal actions against ICE.
