Noem Reveals Results of Internal Review Of ICE Officer Who Shot Renee Good
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed Sunday that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched a routine internal review following a fatal officer-involved shooting during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis earlier this month — a process she emphasized has remained unchanged across administrations.
Speaking on CBS News’ Face the Nation, Noem addressed questions surrounding the Jan. 7 incident, in which an ICE officer shot and killed 37-year-old Renée Nicole Good. Asked directly whether the officer was under investigation, Noem said the Department of Homeland Security is adhering to long-standing protocols governing use-of-force incidents.
“We are following the exact same investigative and review process that we always have under ICE and under the Department of Homeland Security and within the administration,” Noem told the program.
“The exact same policy that the Biden administration used, the exact same review, so we haven’t changed any of that,” she added.
Federal officials have described the shooting as an act of self-defense, stating the agent’s life was in danger during the encounter in south Minneapolis. That assessment has been challenged by local Democratic leaders and activist groups, who have demanded independent oversight and accused federal authorities of lacking transparency.
During the interview, Noem declined to comment on specific personnel actions, including whether the agent was placed on administrative leave, noting that such matters are handled internally as part of standard procedure. She also criticized media outlets for publicly identifying the officer, warning that doing so could place federal law enforcement personnel at risk.
Noem directly pushed back against remarks from Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, who claimed, “The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.”
“I would not listen to Gov. Walz,” Noem responded. “He has a very bad track record.”
Moderator Margaret Brennan cited language from ICE’s internal handbook, asking whether the Office of Professional Responsibility was reviewing the case and whether protocol requiring administrative leave was being followed.
“The protocol and the advice and the guidance within that handbook and within our policies is being followed exactly like it has been for years,” Noem said.
Brennan then clarified: “OK, so there is some review of his actions, is what I understand you saying there.”
“Margaret, there always is,” Noem replied. “Every law enforcement officer knows that when they take the oath to step up and to protect the public and put their lives on the line, they absolutely know that everything that they do will be analyzed and investigated.”
The shooting has sparked protests across Minneapolis and reignited broader left-wing opposition to ICE enforcement under President Donald J. Trump’s second-term administration, particularly as the White House continues to prioritize border security, interior enforcement, and officer safety.
While DHS has acknowledged the internal review, federal authorities have not announced a criminal investigation into the agent involved.
At the same time, federal investigators are reportedly examining whether Good’s partner interfered with ICE officers moments before the shooting. According to Fox News, citing a source familiar with the matter, the FBI developed evidence indicating Renée Nicole Good and her partner, Becca Good, had been following ICE agents earlier that day.
NBC News reported that the inquiry centers on Becca Good’s potential ties to activist networks, rather than the conduct of Officer Jonathan Ross, who fired the fatal shots. The probe reportedly stems from a December memo issued by Attorney General Pam Bondi directing federal authorities to pursue individuals who assault, obstruct, or impede federal officers.
President Donald Trump has publicly referred to both women as “professional agitators.”