U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has publicly requested that media outlets cease using the name of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent involved in a fatal January incident. Her appeal, citing a dramatic surge in threats against law enforcement, sparked a tense exchange during a national television interview.
A Contentious Television Exchange
During an appearance on CBS's "Face the Nation" on Sunday, host Margaret Brennan asked Noem about the medical status of ICE agent Jonathan Ross. Noem interjected, instructing Brennan, "Don't say his name." She justified this by stating, "For heaven's sakes, we shouldn't have people continue to dox law enforcement when they have an 8,000% increase in death threats against them." This figure references a Homeland Security claim from October regarding threats faced by ICE personnel.
Brennan countered that Ross's name is already public record and clarified her question was about a CBS report casting doubt on claims he suffered internal torso bleeding. Noem persisted, arguing that public knowledge does not obligate continued publication. She further asserted, without evidence, that Ross's life remains in danger, citing an alleged car attack and threats against his family.
The Underlying Incident: The Shooting of Renee Good
The controversy stems from an event on January 7, when agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good in her vehicle. The incident occurred on a street where protests against ICE activity were taking place. Video evidence shows ICE agents surrounding Good's stopped car and ordering her out.
Multiple video angles depict Good attempting to reverse her car. Ross then fired through the windshield and the open driver's side window. Crucially, the footage indicates Good's car never made physical contact with Ross. Despite this, some U.S. officials, as reported by CBS, claimed Ross later experienced internal bleeding—a report met with skepticism within CBS itself.
Official Stance and Media Pushback
When pressed for details on Ross's condition, Secretary Noem declined to discuss medical records, calling it his personal "prerogative." She did state he is "healing" and expressed hope that officers can perform their duties safely. Noem concluded by criticizing media and public scrutiny of law enforcement actions, suggesting it constitutes an attack for "standing up for what's right."
This stance highlights the escalating tension between government officials seeking to protect agent identities amid claimed threats and media organizations committed to reporting on matters of significant public interest, particularly involving use of lethal force.
