Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent during a heated CNN interview with Jake Tapper on Sunday, January 11, 2026, standing by her initial claim that Good's actions constituted "domestic terrorism" just hours after the incident.
In the combative State of the Union exchange, Tapper repeatedly challenged Noem on why the Trump administration rushed to label the January 7 shooting as justified self-defense and accused Good of attempting to "weaponize" her vehicle against agents—claims disputed by video evidence, eyewitnesses, Minneapolis officials, and critics who say the footage shows Good's car turning away slowly with no clear imminent threat.
Noem insisted her statements were "proven factual," accused Tapper and media of distorting events, and announced a surge of "hundreds" more ICE officers to Minneapolis amid ongoing protests. She dodged direct comparisons to January 6, 2021, Capitol violence when Tapper played footage, pivoting to criticize Democratic rhetoric and media bias.
Kristi Noem DESTROYS CNN's Jake Tapper when he tries to shame her for calling Renee Good a domestic terrorist.
— Cash Loren (@Cashloren) January 11, 2026
Because that is what she is. pic.twitter.com/uUNcmNLioG
The interview highlighted deep national divisions over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement, including mass deportation operations that sparked protests in multiple cities.
The shooting occurred Wednesday. Good, a U.S. citizen, poet, writer, and mother of three (including a 6-year-old), was in her Honda Pilot SUV. Federal officials claim she impeded agents and posed a threat by moving her vehicle toward an officer. Video shows her car positioned diagonally, with sounds of honking; agents approached, and ICE agent Jonathan Ross fired multiple shots, killing her.
Within roughly two hours, DHS released a statement from Noem defending the agent, labeling Good's actions "domestic terrorism," and asserting self-defense—prompting accusations of prejudging the case before any independent probe.
Protests erupted nationwide starting January 7 evening, with vigils, marches, and clashes in Minneapolis, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and elsewhere. Thousands gathered over the weekend, chanting against ICE and demanding accountability. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the federal narrative "bullshit" and urged ICE to leave the city; Gov. Tim Walz proclaimed a "Renee Good Day."
🔥🚨BREAKING: Sec. Kristi Noem tells CNN that Tim Walz and Jacob Frey need to "GROW-UP! "
— The Patriot Oasis™ (@ThePatriotOasis) January 11, 2026
They are LITTLE BOYS! GROW A PAIR! 🔥
"I would encourage them to GROW UP, get some MATURITY, act like people who are responsible, who want people to be safe and the right thing be done."… pic.twitter.com/cht6Q0rj4q
The FBI is leading the investigation, but state and local officials have been largely sidelined, raising concerns about impartiality.
The Trump administration's response has been unwavering support for ICE: President Trump described Good as a "high-level agitator" and part of a "left-wing network"; Vice President Vance echoed claims of threats to agents; and officials tied the incident to broader border security justifications. Noem and others have refused to retract statements, framing the event as part of combating interference with law enforcement.
Investigations continue, with experts questioning the "domestic terrorism" label as potentially inflammatory and unsupported. A GoFundMe for Good's family raised over $1.5 million, while some supporters launched efforts for the ICE agent.