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

Podcast: Post Reports

Published: 2026-01-13

Duration: 18 min

Guests: Maria Sacchetti

Summary

The episode explores the fatal shooting of Renee Goode by ICE officer Jonathan Ross, questioning ICE's training and operational practices.

What Happened

Renee Goode was shot by ICE officer Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis during a confrontation with residents. Ross claimed self-defense, but videos suggest he could have moved out of the way. The incident has sparked debate over ICE training, especially as ICE presence increases nationwide under Trump's administration.

Maria Sacchetti, an immigration reporter, discusses ICE Watch groups that monitor ICE activities and questions Goode's involvement. These groups aim to witness and document ICE operations to ensure accountability.

Ross, an experienced officer with military background, had a previous incident where he was injured while trying to arrest someone. His past experiences may have influenced his actions during the shooting.

Law enforcement experts reviewing the videos noted violations of best practices, including unnecessary escalation and positioning that put Ross in danger. Such practices contradict standard de-escalation techniques taught to officers.

The video evidence shows Ross filming the encounter, raising questions about his focus and adherence to best practices. This self-recording is not standard in ICE operations, leading to concerns about evidence preservation and transparency.

ICE training has been shortened, focusing less on language skills and more on experienced hires, though Ross's actions highlight potential gaps in practical training.

The shooting has intensified scrutiny on ICE's conduct, especially in cities like Minneapolis that are sensitive to policing issues. Local officials have sued the DHS, claiming ICE's actions are politically motivated.

The investigation into Goode's death continues, with questions about the justification of the shooting and the transparency of the investigation process. The outcome may influence future ICE training and operational policies.

Key Insights

• ICE training programs have been shortened, with a reduced focus on language skills and an emphasis on hiring experienced officers, potentially leading to gaps in practical training.
• Video evidence from the Minneapolis incident shows ICE officer Jonathan Ross filming the encounter, which is not standard practice in ICE operations, raising concerns about evidence preservation and transparency.
• Law enforcement experts identified violations of best practices in the Minneapolis shooting, including unnecessary escalation and poor positioning, which contradict standard de-escalation techniques taught to officers.
• Local officials in Minneapolis have sued the Department of Homeland Security, alleging that ICE actions are politically motivated, reflecting heightened scrutiny on ICE conduct in cities sensitive to policing issues.