Kristi Noem Defends ICE Shooting, Says Mamdani 'Chose To Stand With Illegals'

NEW YORK CITY — During an appearance in New York City, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended a federal immigration agent who fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis and criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Noem on Thursday at One World Trade Center disclosed the arrest of 54 people who are allegedly affiliated with the Trinatarios street gang. Thirty out of the 54 individuals were immediately deported.

When asked by reporters about the shooting in Minneapolis, Noem claimed the victim, Renee Good, was part of a larger group who had followed ICE agents and had targeted them with her vehicle.

Noem defended the officer, saying the shooting was justified and calling the incident an example of "domestic terrorism."

"This vehicle was used to hit this officer," Noem said. "It was used as a weapon, and the officer feels as though his life was in jeopardy. It was used to perpetuate a violent act, and this officer took action to protect himself and to protect his fellow law enforcement officers."

The Homeland Security Secretary also responded to Mamdani's statement released on Wednesday, where he criticized the officer involved.

"Your mayor just said in that statement that he is going to stand with illegal people who have broken our law before he's going to put New York City citizens first," Noem said. "His job and why he was elected is to protect the people who live here."

Noem also said that the mayor's interactions with the Department of Homeland Security have not been "productive."

"We're hoping the mayor will work with us to get these criminal elements, and especially gang members and terrorist organizations, out of New York City," Noem said. "I know he and the president had a productive conversation.

"You know, our communication at the Department of Homeland Security has not been productive with the mayor's office or with the NYPD, but we want to continue those conversations so we can work together on success."

On Thursday, Governor Kathy Hochul said that she and Mamdani will stand together and "reject any efforts to try to militarize our streets."

Hochul has also mentioned a proposal to give residents "a way to get recourse against" ICE agents.