The head of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, expressed strong disapproval during a recent interview on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” reacting sharply to host Margaret Brennan for naming ICE agent Jonathan Ross. The tension arose after Ross was involved in a fatal incident earlier this month in Minneapolis, where he shot and killed Renee Good during a confrontation.
Noem defended Ross, who has been under scrutiny since the incident occurred. According to the Trump administration, Ross acted in self-defense as Good allegedly accelerated her vehicle towards him. Video footage suggests Good was attempting to flee the scene when Ross fired multiple shots into her car.
During the interview, Brennan inquired about Ross’s current status, asking if he had returned to his duties in Minneapolis. Noem interrupted, insisting, “Well, don’t say his name. For heaven’s sakes. We shouldn’t have people continue to dox law enforcement.” When Brennan pointed out that Ross’s name is publicly available, Noem maintained her stance, emphasizing the safety concerns surrounding the agent and his family.
“I know but that doesn’t mean it should continue to be said,” Noem argued. “He got attacked with a car that was trying to take his life. People have attacked him and his family.”
Despite the exchange, Noem declined to confirm whether Ross was back at work following the incident.
Noem Addresses Controversial Tactics Used by ICE
The interview continued to address other contentious issues surrounding ICE operations. Brennan pressed Noem on the agency’s tactics, particularly concerning the detention of Aliya Rahman and the tear-gassing of a family with an infant during a protest.
When asked if these methods seemed excessive, Noem responded, “That family was caught up in that situation because of violent protesters that were impeding law enforcement operations. That family would have never been in that situation if protestors were acting peacefully.”
Noem shifted some of the blame for the violent encounters between ICE and community members onto local officials, specifically Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. She stated, “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 officer safety, highlighting the complexities involved in high-stakes confrontations.
For those interested in the full exchange, the entire interview can be viewed on YouTube.
