Walz Says Feds Are Blocking Minnesota From ICE Shooting Probe as Federal Officials Defend Agent

Governor says shutting out state investigators will hurt trust in the case, while Kristi Noem and JD Vance say the ICE officer acted in self-defense.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks to the media at Deerwood Elementary in Eagan, Minn., on Sept. 2, 2025. Walz said he considers federal prosecutors to be partners who hold criminals accountable. Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said on Thursday that the Trump administration has cut state investigators out of the probe into an ICE officer’s fatal shooting of SUV driver Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, a view disputed by Vice President JD Vance and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Noem told reporters on Jan. 8 that Minnesota has “not been cut out. ... They don’t have any jurisdiction in this investigation.” Vice President JD Vance later offered that state officials should instead be investigating protesters they accuse of harassing and obstructing the federal agents who are operating there.