Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed Sunday that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is conducting an internal review of the actions taken by an ICE officer who fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis earlier this month.
The confirmation came during an appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” where Noem was asked whether the officer involved in the Jan. 7 incident was under investigation. Noem said the department is following established investigative and review procedures for use-of-force incidents within ICE and the Department of Homeland Security.
“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.
The shooting occurred in south Minneapolis when ICE agents were conducting an enforcement operation. The 37-year-old woman, later identified as Renée Nicole Good, was struck and killed by gunfire from an ICE agent. Federal officials have described the shooting as self-defense, saying the agent’s life was in danger, though local leaders have disputed this characterization.
In the interview, Noem declined to discuss personnel actions or whether the officer had been placed on leave, saying only that the normal review process was underway. She also admonished reporters for naming the officer, saying it could expose law enforcement personnel to threats.
In addition, Noem pushed back on a statement from Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, who said, “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 said in response. “He has a very bad track record.”
Moderator Margaret Brennan referenced a section of the agency’s handbook during the interview, asking if the Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting an investigation to determine whether the ICE agent violated protocol and noted that the handbook states the agent should be on administrative leave for three days.
“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 confirmed: “OK, so there is some review of his actions, is what I understand you saying there.”
“Margaret, there always is,” Noem said. “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 incident has triggered protests in Minneapolis and intensified national debate over ICE enforcement tactics. Local officials and activists have called for greater accountability and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Good’s death.
Noem’s remarks mark one of the first official confirmations from the Department of Homeland Security about the status of the internal review. A federal criminal investigation has not been announced.
Meanwhile, federal authorities are reportedly investigating the partner of Renee Nicole Good to determine whether she interfered with an ICE officer moments before the fatal shooting in Minneapolis.
The FBI developed evidence suggesting Good and her partner, Becca Good, had been following ICE officers on the day of the Jan. 7 incident, Fox News reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.
The federal probe is focused on Becca Good’s possible connections to activist groups rather than the actions of Officer Jonathan Ross, who fired the fatal shots.
The investigation stems from a December memo issued by Attorney General Pam Bondi targeting individuals who assault, resist, or impede federal officers, according to NBC News.
President Donald Trump has referred to both women as “professional agitators.”
