Agents from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been involved in dozens of firearm incidents in recent years, yet rarely face serious legal consequences, a new investigation reveals. This pattern of impunity has been thrown into sharp relief following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old mother-of-three Renee Good on 7 January 2026 and another incident in Minnesota just days later.
A Pattern of Force Under Scrutiny
According to an analysis by WIRED magazine, which examined ICE incident records, agents have been involved in a significant number of shootings beyond the recent high-profile cases. The data shows that shootings involving moving vehicles have occurred at least 19 times. These car-based incidents are linked to at least 10 deaths and six injuries.
Furthermore, the investigation found that task forces including ICE agents have shot at least three other US citizens. In 22 instances, agents discharged weapons in public areas where bystanders were present. Alarmingly, in seven separate cases, the person shot by an officer was not the intended target of any enforcement action.
The 'Deference' Defence in Court
Despite ICE's own handbook stating that force should only be used as a last resort when "all reasonable efforts to otherwise resolve a situation have failed," agents are seldom held accountable. Mike German, a former federal law enforcement agent, explained to WIRED that a culture of judicial "deference" is a primary reason.
"Prosecutors and judges tend to be very deferential to law enforcement agents involved in shootings," German stated. He clarified that typically, an agent's subjective belief that deadly force was necessary to protect themselves or others from serious harm is sufficient to avoid criminal charges or conviction.
Political Backing and 'Absolute Immunity'
The Trump administration has vigorously defended agents caught up in these incidents, arguing they should not face prosecution. Top officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have asserted that agents possess "absolute immunity" when performing their duties.
Speaking specifically about agent Jonathon Ross last week, Vance declared, "That guy is protected by absolute immunity. He was doing his job." This stance was echoed by senior Trump aide Stephen Miller in a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) video, where he defended agents fulfilling their "legal obligations and duties" against any interference.
In response to the findings, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin emphasised that ICE officers "are trained to use the minimum amount of force necessary" and are "highly trained in de-escalation tactics." However, the mounting data on shootings and the legal shield of deference continue to fuel public outcry and protests, particularly in communities like Minneapolis where recent violence has spotlighted the agency's actions.
