The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has said it may deploy additional federal agents to Minnesota following the fatal shooting of a woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer.

The incident that happened on 7 January has sparked widespread concern and scrutiny.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told reporters in New York City on Thursday that thousands of agents are already in the state and additional personnel could be sent “to keep people safe” if needed. Nearly 2,000 federal agents are currently deployed in Minnesota as part of ongoing operations targeting undocumented immigration.

The shooting occurred on Wednesday when Renee Nicole Good, 37, a U.S. citizen, was killed during a confrontation involving an ICE officer.

Noem defended the officer’s actions, stating he followed training while trying to free a vehicle stuck in snow amid protesters.

Local officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have described the events differently, and video footage has produced conflicting accounts.

• Renee Nicole Good: Conflicting accounts threaten to overshadow fatal shooting of U.S. woman

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension announced it was withdrawing from the investigation after the U.S. Attorney’s Office assigned the FBI sole leadership. The bureau said it could not meet state investigative standards without full access to evidence and witnesses.

Separately, Noem highlighted results from Operation Salvo in New York City, which led to 54 arrests linked to the Trinitarios gang. She said more than 60% of those arrested have been returned to their home countries and described the operation as “just the beginning of a broader and sustained effort” against transnational criminal organisations.

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