Don’t Say His Name!’ Kristi Noem Scolds Margaret Brennan in Tense CBS Interview for
When Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem sat down with CBS’ Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation, the conversation quickly turned tense — and stayed that way. What was expected to be a policy discussion became a sharp exchange over immigration statistics, media accountability, and a fatal ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis.
Let’s break down what happened, why it matters, and what questions remain unanswered.
A Heated Debate Over Immigration Numbers
From the outset, Noem placed blame squarely on the Biden administration, arguing that “open border policies” had allowed millions of unvetted immigrants into the United States.
“We wouldn’t be in this situation if Joe Biden hadn’t allowed our open border policies to be in place,” Noem said.
The tension escalated when Brennan asked for specific data about detainees with violent criminal histories. Noem claimed that 70 percent of detained individuals had either committed or been charged with violent crimes.
Brennan pushed back, citing CBS reporting based on Department of Homeland Security data, which showed that 47 percent of detainees had criminal convictions — a significantly lower figure.
This disagreement became one of the interview’s most confrontational moments, with Noem accusing the media of “changing percentages” and misleading the public.
The ICE Shooting That Sparked National Attention
The interview then shifted to the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis — a case already under intense scrutiny.
Brennan attempted to ask about Ross’ medical condition and current work status, but Noem cut her off, urging restraint in mentioning the agent’s name and warning against what she described as the “doxxing” of law enforcement officials.
While Brennan noted that Ross’ name was already publicly available, Noem insisted that continued repetition could put officers and their families at risk. She also declined to discuss Ross’ medical status, citing privacy concerns.
Is the ICE Agent Under Investigation?
Perhaps the most critical part of the exchange centered on whether Ross’ actions are being independently reviewed.
Brennan referenced comments by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who suggested the ICE agent involved was not under investigation. Noem dismissed Walz’s credibility but emphasized that DHS and ICE are following standard review protocols, adding:
“There always is” a review.
However, Noem did not provide specific details about the scope or timeline of any investigation, leaving lingering questions about transparency and accountability.
Why This Interview Matters
This tense exchange highlights three broader issues:
- Conflicting interpretations of immigration data
- Growing distrust between political leaders and the media
- Public concern over accountability in law-enforcement-involved shootings
For viewers, the interview underscored how polarized the immigration debate has become — even when discussing verifiable data and ongoing investigations.
The Bottom Line
Kristi Noem’s clash with Margaret Brennan wasn’t just a heated TV moment; it reflected deeper national divisions over immigration enforcement, media trust, and government transparency. While Noem defended DHS policies and ICE procedures, Brennan’s questioning echoed concerns many Americans still have — especially when facts, figures, and investigations remain contested.
As the investigation into the Minneapolis shooting continues, public scrutiny is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
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