Are ICE officers doing what they’re trained to do? - Post Reports Recap

Podcast: Post Reports

Published: 2026-01-13

Duration: 18 minutes

Guests: Maria Sacchetti

Summary

The episode examines the controversial shooting of Renée Good by ICE officers in Minneapolis, questioning the tactics used and the accountability of ICE training under the Trump administration.

What Happened

Renée Good was shot by ICE officer Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis, an incident that has sparked controversy and raised questions about ICE's training protocols. The federal officials claim Ross acted in self-defense, but videos show he could have moved out of the way, suggesting the shooting might have been avoidable. The incident has highlighted the presence of ICE Watch groups, which aim to document ICE activities and assist those detained. Ross, an experienced officer with a background in the Army and Border Patrol, had a prior incident involving being dragged by a vehicle, which may have influenced his actions during the shooting.

Law enforcement experts have scrutinized the videos of the incident, noting several violations of best practices, such as not de-escalating the situation and standing in front of Good's moving vehicle. These actions potentially put others at risk when Good lost control of her SUV after being shot. Experts believe that while Ross might have been in danger, the situation could have been handled differently, such as by noting the license plate and arresting Good later.

Another point of concern is Ross filming the incident on his phone, which raises questions about his focus and the preservation of such footage. The episode also discusses ICE's training changes under Trump, with training periods shortened and language classes reduced, potentially affecting new officers' preparedness. Despite the emphasis on increasing ICE presence, the agency's secrecy poses challenges for transparency and accountability.

The episode contrasts ICE's actions with local police reforms, noting that ICE operates under federal mandates, focusing on civil violations rather than criminal ones. The shooting has provoked reactions from local officials and added to the debate on ICE's role in immigration enforcement.

Since the shooting, Minnesota officials have accused the Trump administration of blocking state investigations, leading to a lawsuit against DHS. The federal investigation's transparency remains a concern as locals seek answers and accountability for Good's death.

Key Insights

• ICE officer Jonathan Ross, involved in the shooting of Renée Good, had a prior incident where he was dragged by a vehicle, which may have influenced his decision-making during the shooting.
• Videos of the shooting incident reveal that ICE officer Jonathan Ross violated several law enforcement best practices, including failing to de-escalate the situation and positioning himself in front of Good's moving vehicle.
• Changes to ICE training under the Trump administration included shortened training periods and reduced language classes, potentially affecting the preparedness of new officers.
• Minnesota officials have accused the Trump administration of obstructing state investigations into the shooting incident, resulting in a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security.