Several Department of Homeland Security officials privately expressed concern over the agency’s rapid public response to the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
Officials said the department moved too quickly to label the incident an act of domestic terrorism before investigators could fully assess the facts.
Within hours of the shooting, DHS said the officer fired in self defense as a vehicle allegedly attempted to strike agents.
"We owe it to this woman, to her family and to the American public to ensure that an investigation does occur... And it follows all of the available evidence to its logical conclusion."
— Erin Burnett OutFront (@OutFrontCNN) January 8, 2026
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara talks to CNN's Erin Burnett about DHS immediately… pic.twitter.com/zoK8Z60JYQ
Videos circulating online appear to show the driver trying to leave the scene, though one clip suggests possible contact with an officer. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly defended the agent, calling him experienced.
Privately, current and former officials questioned whether ICE use-of-force protocols were followed and noted delays in rendering medical aid.
Tom Homan initially urged caution, later issuing a statement strongly backing ICE agents.
The shooting occurred amid the deployment of roughly 2,000 federal agents to Minnesota as part of a large immigration operation. The incident remains under investigation.
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TIPP Staff
