Department of Homeland Security head Kristi Noem confronted CBS anchor Margaret Brennan during an interview on January 18, 2026, over the naming of ICE agent Jonathan Ross, who was involved in a fatal shooting earlier this month. The incident has sparked significant debate regarding the actions of law enforcement and the public disclosure of officers’ names.
Ross shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis, claiming he feared for his life as Good allegedly used her vehicle as a weapon, attempting to ram him. Video footage appears to show Good trying to escape from the scene while Ross continued to fire into her car. The circumstances surrounding the shooting have led to polarized opinions about the appropriateness of law enforcement tactics.
As Brennan began to question whether Ross was back on duty in Minneapolis, Noem interjected, insisting, “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 public information, Noem maintained her stance, emphasizing the potential risks to Ross and his family.
“He got attacked with a car that was trying to take his life. People have attacked him and his family,” Noem stated, defending her position on privacy for law enforcement officers.
In the same interview, Noem was asked about the recent detention of Aliya Rahman and the use of tear gas against a family with an infant. Responding to Brennan’s inquiry about whether such tactics seemed excessive, Noem attributed the incident to violent protesters who were obstructing law enforcement operations.
“That family would have never been in that situation if protesters were acting peacefully,” she claimed, shifting responsibility to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for the unrest in the area.
Noem characterized the interaction between ICE and local residents as a consequence of ongoing violence, stating, “It’s a terrible situation that that family had to go through, and I hope it never happens again.” She expressed that the leadership in Minneapolis is to blame for allowing violence to escalate.
The interview, which touched on sensitive topics regarding law enforcement and public safety, highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding policing in America. As the debate continues, the implications of such incidents remain a focal point in discussions about law enforcement accountability and community relations.
The full interview is available for viewing on CBS’s YouTube channel.
