Leavitt Defends ICE Officer in Minneapolis Shooting as Libs Rage

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt faced a firestorm of criticism this week after forcefully defending an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer who fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis during an enforcement action. The remarks came amid escalating national debates over law enforcement authority and federal immigration operations.

On Monday, Jan. 12, Fox News broke into its regular lineup with a live interview featuring the 28‑year‑old Leavitt, who provided updates on the Trump administration’s agenda and ongoing security challenges. Topics included President Donald J. Trump’s upcoming Michigan economic address, rising geopolitical tensions with Iran and Venezuela, and the fallout from protests triggered by last week’s fatal encounter.

Leavitt characterized the ICE officer’s use of force as “justified,” pushing back against critics who have seized on the incident. In blunt terms, she labeled the deceased, Renee Good, a “deranged lunatic woman” and asserted that “she attempted to ram” the ICE agent with her vehicle — remarks consistent with the department’s portrayal of the encounter.

When Fox anchor John Roberts asked whether President Trump stood behind the agent involved, Leavitt offered an unequivocal endorsement.

“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 used the interview to preview Trump’s economic speech in Michigan, framing it as a message of optimism and prosperity, affirming that “the best is yet to come” for American workers and families.

Social media reaction was immediate and polarized. Critics accused the press secretary of prejudging an active investigation, with one user on X dismissing Leavitt’s commentary as “sick” and another attacking her demeanor. Supporters, however, defended both Leavitt and the ICE agent, pointing to evidence suggesting the vehicle struck the officer during the encounter.

Leavitt’s defense of the officer followed her travel with President Trump aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Jan. 11, where the president clashed with a CNN reporter over Iran policy, labeling the network’s coverage “fake news” in classic Trumpian fashion. The press secretary was seen smiling during portions of the exchange, earning further attention on social platforms.

The ICE officer at the center of the controversy has been identified as 43‑year‑old Jonathan Ross, a longtime federal law enforcement veteran and Iraq War veteran. Ross has served in various capacities, including with U.S. Border Patrol and ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. Reports indicate he suffered internal injuries during the confrontation.

Ross’s father publicly defended his son, describing him as a “committed, conservative Christian, a tremendous father, a tremendous husband,” and asserting that he “did nothing wrong” during the incident.

The shooting has sparked nationwide demonstrations and an ongoing debate about federal law enforcement tactics. Good’s family has hired attorneys — including a firm known for representing the George Floyd family — to pursue accountability. Meanwhile, federal authorities have indicated there is currently no basis for a criminal civil rights investigation into the case, even as protests continue.