Trump administration signals broad protection for ICE agents after Minneapolis shooting

The Trump administration has offered strong public support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents after the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis, with Vice President JD Vance saying the agent involved was "protected by absolute immunity" and the Department of Homeland Security reposting a White House official saying agents have immunity to perform their duties.

Internal ICE training and legal materials reviewed by The New York Times stress de-escalation and say deadly force is permitted only when agents believe lives are in danger; one document instructs that the "first step in arresting an occupant of a vehicle is NOT to reach in and grab him, unless there are specific circumstances requiring that action." Yet the Times reported that administration officials have given tacit approval for more aggressive tactics, and that a top ICE official had told officers to take "decisive action" weeks before the shooting.

The agency has rapidly expanded its law enforcement ranks after an infusion of $75 billion in new funding over four years and has expedited training for new recruits, the Times said, citing a former federal law enforcement academy official who said training on vehicle stops was reduced; Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin denied any reduction.

Key Topics

Politics, Ice, Trump Administration, Renee Good, Jonathan Ross, Minneapolis