During an interview on the CBS program “Face the Nation,” Kristi Noem, head of the Department of Homeland Security, expressed strong disapproval of host Margaret Brennan for mentioning the name of ICE agent Jonathan Ross. This exchange took place on January 18, 2026, following Ross’s involvement in a shooting incident earlier this month in Minneapolis, where he fatally shot Renee Good.
Following the shooting, the Trump administration defended Ross, asserting that he acted in self-defense as Good allegedly used her vehicle as a weapon, attempting to ram him. Video footage appears to show Good trying to escape the scene while Ross continued to fire into her car. Brennan attempted to inquire whether Ross had returned to work in Minneapolis, prompting Noem’s response.
Noem interrupted Brennan, urging her not to disclose Ross’s name, emphasizing the need to protect law enforcement personnel. “For heaven’s sakes, we shouldn’t have people continue to dox law enforcement,” she stated. When Brennan pointed out that Ross’s name is public information, Noem maintained her stance, stating, “I know, but that doesn’t mean it should continue to be said. He got attacked with a car that was trying to take his life. People have attacked him and his family.”
Noem did not confirm if Ross had resumed his duties, leaving this information unclear.
Controversial Tactics Under Scrutiny
In the same interview, Noem faced questions regarding the recent detention of a family during a law enforcement operation, which involved the use of tear gas, including an infant in the vehicle. When Brennan questioned whether such tactics seemed excessive, Noem responded that the family was inadvertently caught in a situation created by violent protesters who were obstructing law enforcement efforts.
“That family would have never been in that situation if protesters were acting peacefully,” Noem asserted, shifting responsibility to local leaders. She attributed the tensions between ICE and residents to the policies of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, stating, “It’s a terrible situation that that family had to go through, and I hope it never happens again. The mayor and the governor have allowed this kind of violence to be perpetuated across Minneapolis.”
The interview has sparked discussions about the balance between law enforcement transparency and the safety of officers involved in high-stakes situations.
For those interested in watching the complete interview, it is available on YouTube.
This incident highlights ongoing debates surrounding law enforcement practices in the United States, particularly in relation to ICE operations and community interactions.
