Homeland Security Secretary Noem Defends ICE Officer Involved in Minneapolis Shooting as “Domestic Terrorism”

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday reiterated that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer involved in the fatal Minneapolis shooting the day before “feels as though his life was in jeopardy.”

Noem spoke at a press conference in New York City one day after an ICE officer shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good during a Department of Homeland Security operation in the Twin Cities. She forcefully defended the officer’s actions while blaming escalating protests and anti-law enforcement agitation for creating what she described as a volatile and dangerous environment for federal agents.

“This vehicle was used to hit this officer,” Noem said. “It was used as a weapon and the officer feels as though his life was in jeopardy.” She added that the officer acted “to protect himself and to protect his fellow law enforcement officers.”

Noem stated the officer went to the hospital after being shot, received treatment, was released, and has since returned home. She claimed the incident unfolded amid harassment and obstruction by protesters who she said followed federal agents all day, harassed them, and blocked their efforts to assist with a vehicle stuck in the snow during an operation.

“Their department will continue following standard protocols used in any use-of-force review while the investigation unfolds,” Noem emphasized when asked about claims that state investigators had been excluded from the shooting probe. She accused the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension of failing to investigate the episode, stating they are “allowing this situation to be volatile” and have not been active in addressing harassment of law enforcement.

Noem doubled down on her characterization of the incident as “domestic terrorism,” arguing that protest movements encourage violence against federal officers by treating them as enemies. “We’ve got thousands of officers there, and I’m not opposed to sending more if necessary to keep people safe,” she said.

By Charlie McCarthy | Thursday, 08 January 2026 01:31 PM EST