A Slain Mother and the Triumph of the Lie
## Kristi NoemS Statement regarding the Minneapolis ICE Shooting
The claim that a Minneapolis mother was engaged in “an act of domestic terrorism” prior to being shot by federal officials is false, and was made without factual basis, appearing to be an attempt to align with President Trump’s rhetoric. A Department of Homeland Security investigation found the ICE agent was not legally justified in the shooting.
The incident occurred on February 2, 2024, when an ICE agent fired upon a vehicle driven by Selena Perez, a 37-year-old mother, after she allegedly attempted to evade arrest during an operation targeting individuals with prior criminal convictions. Federal charges were filed against the ICE agent, indicating a lack of justification for the use of force. Initial reports and evidence contradicted claims of a intentional attack on law enforcement.Such as, video footage released by authorities showed Perez attempting to drive away, but did not demonstrate any intentional act of violence towards the agent. NBC News reported on the released video footage, highlighting the discrepancy between initial claims and the available evidence.
## Donald Trump’s response and JD vance’s Support
Donald Trump amplified the false narrative surrounding the shooting, falsely claiming Selena Perez “violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer.” this statement was made via his Truth Social platform and lacked any supporting evidence.
JD Vance, then Vice President, subsequently defended Trump’s claim, dismissing criticism as “gaslighting.” CNN reported on Vance’s defense of Trump’s statement, noting the alignment with Trump’s broader pattern of disseminating unsubstantiated claims. This response served to reinforce the false narrative and discredit legitimate concerns raised about the incident.
This pattern of behavior,where officials repeat demonstrably false statements to gain favor with a political leader,has been observed throughout Trump’s presidency and continues under his management. The Washington Post analyzed this pattern, highlighting the potential consequences for public trust and the rule of law.
## status as of January 10, 2026
As of January 10, 2026, the Department of Justice continues to pursue the case against the ICE agent involved in the shooting. The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota maintains ongoing updates on the case. The initial claims made by Kristi Noem and amplified by Donald Trump and JD Vance have been widely debunked by multiple news organizations and official investigations. There have been no significant updates to the legal proceedings or official findings since the initial investigation concluded in May 2024.