Leaked emails reveal CBS News staff expressed “huge concern” over their own network’s reporting about an ICE agent’s injuries, raising serious questions about media integrity in covering law enforcement operations.
Story Highlights
- CBS journalists internally questioned their own exclusive report on ICE agent Jonathan Ross’s “internal bleeding”
- Video evidence contradicted the severity of injuries described in anonymous sourcing
- Internal emails show newsroom skepticism over the network’s narrative defending the agent
- The controversy stems from the fatal shooting of U.S. citizen Renee Good in Minneapolis
Internal CBS Skepticism Surfaces
CBS News faces internal turmoil after leaked emails revealed staff concerns over their January 14th exclusive report claiming ICE agent Jonathan Ross suffered “internal bleeding” following his fatal shooting of Renee Good. The internal communications described “huge concern” within the newsroom about the anonymously-sourced medical details, suggesting even CBS journalists questioned their own network’s credibility on this sensitive story involving federal law enforcement.
Video Evidence Contradicts Injury Claims
The CBS report, based on two unnamed U.S. officials, claimed Ross sustained internal bleeding to his torso after Good allegedly struck him with her vehicle. However, video footage from the January 7th incident shows Ross walking away from the scene, raising doubts about the severity of his injuries. This visual evidence appears to contradict the narrative of serious internal trauma that CBS initially promoted through their exclusive reporting.
Federal Versus Local Narrative Battle
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended Ross as an experienced agent acting in self-defense, labeling Good’s actions as “domestic terrorism.” Meanwhile, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the federal narrative complete nonsense, citing video evidence that contradicts claims about Good “running over” an officer. This stark disagreement between federal and local officials highlights the ongoing tension over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration’s renewed deportation efforts.
The leaked emails represent a rare glimpse into mainstream media’s internal struggles with accuracy when covering politically sensitive law enforcement incidents. Ross, a 10-year ICE veteran, remains on administrative leave while facing threats, according to U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino. The FBI continues investigating the shooting while Good’s family, represented by attorney Antonio Romanucci, demands an independent investigation into what they consider an unjustified killing of an American citizen.
Leaked Emails Show 'Concern' in CBS Newsroom at ICE Agent 'Internal Bleeding' Exclusive — via @davidmgilmour & @Mediaite https://t.co/CqJvAPWx02
— MrTomDurante (@MrTomDurante) January 16, 2026
This controversy exposes how even establishment media outlets struggle with sourcing and narrative consistency when covering federal immigration enforcement. The internal CBS concerns suggest growing awareness that anonymous government sources may not always provide reliable information, particularly when defending controversial use-of-force incidents that result in civilian deaths.
Sources:
ICE officer who shot Renee Good suffered internal injuries, sources say
Minneapolis ICE agent shooting: Protesters clash, FBI investigation
CBS News report on ICE officer’s injuries drew huge internal concern
ICE agent Renee Good shooting immunity
