ICE Agent Injured After Being Struck By Renee Good’s SUV, Officials Confirm
Federal authorities say the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent involved in the fatal Jan. 7 shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis suffered internal injuries after being struck by her vehicle — a detail that bolsters the government’s account that the shooting was a clear case of self-defense.
Two federal officials familiar with the matter told CBS News that the agent, identified as Jonathan Ross, experienced internal bleeding to his torso following the encounter. While the full extent of his injuries has not been publicly disclosed, the Department of Homeland Security previously confirmed that Ross was transported to a hospital after the incident and released later the same day. According to sources cited by CBS News, the agent has not yet returned to duty.
Video footage from the scene shows Ross walking away after firing three shots that killed Good as her SUV moved past him. Federal officials have consistently stated that Good’s vehicle struck the agent — a claim that appears to be supported by several video angles. The confirmation that Ross suffered internal injuries further strengthens the official narrative that the officer’s life was in danger at the time of the shooting.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the incident on Jan. 7, stating that the agent was injured when Good’s SUV hit him. Federal authorities have described the shooting as a lawful act of self-defense.
“The officer was hit by the vehicle. She hit him. He went to the hospital. A doctor did treat him. He has been released,” Noem told reporters last week after the incident.
Ross, a veteran ICE officer with a decade of service, has previously been seriously injured in the line of duty. Court records show that in June, during a separate Minneapolis-area arrest, he was dragged by a vehicle, suffering injuries that required 33 stitches and hospitalization.
U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino told CBS News in an interview Sunday that Ross has faced ongoing threats since the shooting.
“He’s had several threats against his life,” Bovino said, adding, “he’s in a safe location. He’s recovering from those injuries, and we’re thankful that he’s recovering.”
The White House also weighed in this week, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly defending the agent’s actions during a televised interview.
Fox News interrupted regular programming Monday to air an interview with Leavitt, 28, in which she provided updates on the Trump administration and addressed the Minneapolis shooting. She discussed President Donald J. Trump, the current President of the United States, his upcoming visit to Michigan, rising geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Venezuela, and protests that erupted in Minneapolis following the incident.
During the interview, Leavitt said the ICE officer’s actions were “justified” and accused critics of harassing federal immigration agents. She referred to Good as a “deranged lunatic woman” and said she attempted to ram the officer with her vehicle.
Fox News anchor John Roberts asked whether Trump stood behind the officer involved in the shooting.
“Absolutely,” Leavitt said. “President Trump was right about this all along. This deranged lunatic woman was trying to ram him over with her vehicle.”
Leavitt also noted that Trump is expected to deliver an economic address in Michigan on Tuesday, telling voters that “the best is yet to come.”
Her remarks triggered immediate backlash on social media, with critics accusing her of prejudging the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
The comments followed an appearance a day earlier in which Leavitt accompanied Trump aboard Air Force One as he took questions from reporters. During that exchange, Trump sharply pushed back on a CNN reporter who asked what options he had been briefed on regarding Iran.
“Why would I tell you that?” Trump responded, repeatedly interrupting the reporter and dismissing CNN as “fake news.”
Leavitt was seen smiling behind the president as the exchange unfolded.
Ross’s father has also spoken publicly in defense of his son. In an interview with Daily Mail, Ed Ross expressed concern for his son’s safety while rejecting claims of wrongdoing.
“She hit him,” Ross said, referring to Good. “He also had an officer whose arm was in the car. He will not be charged with anything.”
He described his son as “a committed, conservative Christian, a tremendous father, a tremendous husband,” adding, “You would never find a nicer, kinder person […] I couldn’t be more proud [sic] of him.”