Noem Slams CBS Host for Naming ICE Agent

Kristi Noem confronted Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan on January 18 for naming the ICE agent who shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, warning that publicizing his identity puts his life at risk.

The exchange came during a discussion of the January 7 incident in which agent Jonathan Ross fired through Good’s windshield and open driver’s-side window, killing the 37-year-old woman. Ross has since faced online threats and physical attacks, prompting Noem to plead for restraint.

The On-Air Clash

As Brennan began to ask about Ross, Noem cut her off.

“Don’t say his name. I mean, for heaven’s sakes, we shouldn’t have people continue to dox law enforcement when they have an 8,000% increase in death threats against them,” Noem said.

Brennan replied, “His name is public,” noting media outlets had already identified Ross.

“I know, but that doesn’t mean it should continue to be said,” Noem fired back. “His life, he got attacked with a car that was trying to take his life, and then people have attacked him and his family, and they are in jeopardy.”

Agent’s Status Kept Secret

Brennan pressed Noem on whether Ross remained on duty or had been suspended.

Noem refused to disclose details, citing privacy protocols.

“I’m not gonna share his, I’m not gonna- we followed the exact same protocols that we always have for years as to investigations into these situations,” she said. “I’m not gonna talk about his medical records.”

When asked if Ross would be investigated, Noem pivoted to criticize Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, accusing him of allowing “billions of dollars of fraud.”

DOJ Clears Agent

Hours after the interview aired, the Department of Justice announced Ross would not face investigation for the shooting.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News the DOJ is instead examining whether to charge Minnesota state officials.

The decision aligns with ICE’s stance. After Ross was first named by the Minnesota Star Tribune, agency spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin defended his actions.

“We are not going to expose the name of this officer. He acted according to his training,” she said, noting Ross has over ten years’ experience as a deportation officer.

Rising Hostility Toward ICE

DHS reports a surge in threats against agents since the Minneapolis shooting. Noem cited hotel confrontations, objects thrown at officers, and online harassment.

“Our law enforcement officers are on the frontlines arresting terrorists, gang members, murderers, pedophiles, and rapists,” McLaughlin said. “Now, thanks to the malicious rhetoric of sanctuary politicians, they are under constant threat from violent agitators.”

Protests have erupted nationwide. In California, a 21-year-old demonstrator was left permanently blinded in one eye after agents shot him with non-lethal rounds at close range.

Trump Weighs Insurrection Act

President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to quell Minnesota protests, a move that would allow deployment of federal troops.

The act was last used in 1992 after the Rodney King verdict. The Washington Post reports the Pentagon has placed roughly 1,500 active-duty soldiers on standby for possible deployment to Minneapolis.

Despite public backlash, Noem says ICE operations will not scale back. She recently told Americans to prepare to prove citizenship, calling identity validation “something we’ve always done.”