Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem snapped at CBS News’ Margaret Brennan on Sunday after being asked about Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Jonathan Ross, the agent who earlier this month fatally shot Minnesota woman Renee Good after she was issued conflicting commands.
“Let me talk to you about the officer, Jonathan Ross,” Brennan said to Noem on CBS News’ “Face the Nation."
“Well, don’t say his name!” Noem snapped back. “For heaven’s sake, we should have people continue to dox law enforcement when they have an 8,000% increase in death threats against them.”
Ross shot Good three times this month in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after her vehicle was surrounded by ICE agents, with some ordering her to “drive away” and others demanding she “get out of her car,” according to eyewitnesses who spoke with Minnesota Public Radio.
Ross had circled her vehicle and at one point positioned himself directly in front of it, a move in direct violation of a leaked DHS memo circulated just weeks prior that instructed ICE agents to “avoid unsafe positioning” when conducting vehicle extractions.
Critics have called for Ross to face murder charges, whereas the Trump administration has fiercely defended his actions, with Noem being among Ross’ chief defenders.
To Noem’s opposition to saying Ross’ name aloud, Brennan noted that “his name is public.”
“I know, but that doesn’t mean it should continue to be said,” Noem responded. “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.”
Immigration officials stepping in front of vehicles has been a documented occurrence for more than a decade, with a 2014 internal review of the U.S. Border Patrol’s policies revealing that immigration officials had “intentionally and unnecessarily stepped in front of moving cars to justify using deadly force against vehicle occupants.”BRENNAN: Minnesota's population of illegal immigrants is 2.2%. So how do you say when you have mission accomplished?
KRISTI NOEM: Well, we won't stop until all the dangerous people are picked up, brought to justice, and then deported
BRENNAN: You don't have a number or date?… pic.twitter.com/Wy890FyUG1
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 18, 2026
