Can ICE Agents Shoot Someone Trying to Run Them Over?
Yes. ICE agents can use deadly force, including shooting, when someone tries to run them down with an SUV or any vehicle that creates an immediate threat of death or serious injury. Federal law allows this under the same use of force rules that apply to FBI agents, DEA officers, and all federal law enforcement.
On January 7, 2026, an ICE agent in Minneapolis shot and killed Renee Good after her SUV moved toward agents during an immigration operation. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the shooting as self-defense, while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called it “reckless.” The FBI is now investigating whether the agent’s actions met the legal standard for deadly force.
When This Matters to You
You need to understand this if you’re near ICE operations, witnessing immigration enforcement, or want to know what federal agents can legally do when they claim their life is in danger.
ICE officers don’t have special rules. They follow the same deadly force policies as other federal law enforcement. But here’s what makes this complicated: while agents can shoot to protect themselves, they’re also supposed to avoid putting themselves in front of moving cars in the first place.
What the Law Says About ICE Agents Using Deadly Force
Can ICE Agents Shoot in Self-Defense?
Yes. Under federal law, ICE agents can use deadly force when they reasonably believe someone poses an immediate threat of death or serious bodily harm. This comes from a 1989 Supreme Court case called Graham v. Connor that set the “objectively reasonable” standard.
Here’s what that means in plain English: a court will look at whether a reasonable officer in the same situation, with the same information, would have made the same split-second decision. They won’t judge the agent with perfect hindsight.
The Department of Homeland Security policy states agents “may use deadly force only when the LEO has a reasonable belief that the subject of such force poses an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury.”
Does a Vehicle Count as a Deadly Weapon?
Absolutely. A car or SUV driven at a person can kill them. Law enforcement nationwide treats vehicles used to ram, hit, or run over officers as deadly weapons.
Even at 10-15 miles per hour, getting hit by a vehicle can cause death or life-threatening injuries. Courts recognize this. If someone accelerates toward an officer, that officer can respond with deadly force.
But there’s a big catch in the policy.
What About Shooting at Moving Vehicles?
DHS policy says agents are “prohibited from discharging firearms at the operator of a moving vehicle” except in two specific situations:
When someone in the vehicle is using or threatening deadly force by means other than the vehicle itself (like shooting a gun from the car).
When the vehicle is being operated in a way that poses an immediate threat and “no other objectively reasonable defensive option exists”—including moving out of the vehicle’s path.
That last part is critical. The policy explicitly says agents should get out of the way if they can.
This is where the Minneapolis shooting gets controversial. Video shows the ICE agent standing in front of Good’s SUV before firing. Critics argue he should have moved. The agent’s defenders say he didn’t have time.
How Does This Compare to Other Police Departments?
About 75% of the largest police departments in America now prohibit officers from shooting at moving vehicles. The reason? It’s often more dangerous than just getting out of the way.
When you shoot the driver of a moving car, that car doesn’t stop. It becomes an uncontrolled weapon that can hit anyone. Plus, there may be passengers inside who get hurt or killed.
The Department of Justice use of force policy makes it clear: officers should not shoot at a vehicle if they can protect themselves by “moving out of the path of the vehicle.”
In 2022, President Biden issued an executive order requiring federal law enforcement agencies like ICE to adopt policies that meet or exceed DOJ standards. But ICE’s current policy doesn’t include the same clear instruction to step out of the way.
What You Must Know About ICE Authority and Protections
What Legal Protections Do ICE Agents Have?
ICE agents have something called qualified immunity. This legal protection shields federal officers from personal lawsuits unless they violated “clearly established” constitutional rights that a reasonable officer would have known about.
Here’s what that means: even if an agent makes a mistake, they’re protected from being sued personally unless they did something no reasonable officer would do in that situation.
But qualified immunity doesn’t protect agents who act outside their authority or break the law. If an ICE agent shoots someone without facing an actual threat, that agent can be prosecuted for murder under state law.
The Supreme Court has made clear: qualified immunity protects reasonable mistakes made in the line of duty. It doesn’t give agents a license to kill.
What Happens to Someone Who Tries to Run Over an ICE Agent?
You face serious federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 111—Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding Federal Officers.
Using a vehicle to try to hit or kill an ICE agent falls under the most serious category: assault with a deadly weapon causing bodily injury. This is a Class C felony carrying up to 20 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000.
Here’s how the charges break down:
Simple assault (threatening or attempting to impede an agent with no physical contact): up to 1 year in prison and $100,000 fine.
Assault with physical contact or intent to commit another felony: up to 8 years in prison and $250,000 fine.
Assault with a deadly weapon (like a vehicle) or causing bodily injury: up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine.
You don’t have to know the person is a federal agent. You don’t have to succeed in hurting them. Attempting to hit an ICE agent with your car is enough.
Recent Cases Involving ICE Agents and Vehicle Incidents
In October 2025, an ICE agent shot TikTok creator Carlitos Parias in Los Angeles after agents said he “rammed a Toyota Camry into law enforcement vehicles” trying to box him in. Agents reported debris flew up and hit them. Parias was criminally charged, but a federal judge dismissed the indictment in December 2025. Federal prosecutors have appealed.
The Minneapolis case on January 7, 2026 is now under FBI investigation. Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension initially joined the investigation but withdrew after federal authorities denied them access to evidence and witness interviews.
A November 2025 court case in Texas (details still emerging) involved an ICE agent who received qualified immunity after firing at a vehicle that accelerated toward officers during an enforcement operation.
These cases show the legal battles that follow these shootings. The central question is always: was the threat real and immediate, and was shooting the only reasonable option?
What to Do Next If This Affects You
What Happens After an ICE Shooting?
The FBI automatically investigates when a federal agent uses deadly force. The Department of Homeland Security also conducts an internal review.
State and local authorities can investigate separately and potentially bring state charges, though federal authorities sometimes block access to evidence and witnesses—exactly what happened in Minneapolis.
The agent involved is typically placed on administrative leave during the investigation. The review examines whether the shooting was “objectively reasonable” under the Fourth Amendment and whether it followed DHS policy.
Where Can You Find Official ICE Use of Force Policies?
As of January 2026, ICE’s detailed use of force policy document has been almost entirely redacted on their public website. However, the policy was publicly available until November 2025.
The basic DHS use of force framework is still available at DHS.gov. You can also find the Department of Justice use of force policy at Justice.gov/jm/1-16000.
Key policies to know:
ICE agents must use the minimum force necessary.
Deadly force is only authorized when an agent reasonably believes someone poses an immediate threat of death or serious injury.
Agents should avoid putting themselves in positions where deadly force becomes their only option.
Respect for human life must guide all enforcement actions.
When Should You Talk to a Lawyer?
Contact an attorney immediately if:
You witnessed an ICE shooting or vehicle incident and may be called as a witness.
You were involved in any confrontation with ICE agents involving a vehicle.
You’re being charged with assaulting a federal officer under 18 U.S.C. § 111.
You’re a family member of someone shot by ICE and want to understand your legal options.
You had a vehicle interaction with federal agents and are now facing charges.
Federal charges are serious. Don’t talk to federal investigators without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you, and federal prosecutors have a 90%+ conviction rate.
Common Questions People Ask
Can You Be Charged for Accidentally Getting in an ICE Agent’s Way?
It depends on your actions. Simply being in the area isn’t a crime. But if you intentionally block, impede, or interfere with ICE agents performing their duties, you can be charged under 18 U.S.C. § 111 even without physical contact.
The key word is “intentionally.” Accidentally walking into an enforcement operation won’t get you charged. Deliberately standing in front of ICE vehicles or blocking agents can.
What is Qualified Immunity for Federal Agents?
Qualified immunity protects government officials from personal lawsuits unless they violated clearly established constitutional rights. For ICE agents, this means they can’t be sued personally for split-second decisions made during enforcement operations unless what they did was obviously unconstitutional.
Courts give agents the benefit of the doubt in “tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving” situations. But qualified immunity doesn’t protect agents who clearly break the law or use force no reasonable officer would use.
Do ICE Agents Have the Same Authority as Police?
For use of force, yes. ICE agents are federal law enforcement officers with the same Fourth Amendment constraints as local police, FBI agents, and DEA officers. They must follow the “objectively reasonable” standard from Graham v. Connor.
However, ICE agents have specific federal authority for immigration enforcement that local police don’t have. When it comes to using deadly force in self-defense, though, the rules are essentially the same.
What Happens to the Driver Who Tries to Run Over an ICE Agent?
If the driver survives, they face federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 111 for assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon. This carries up to 20 years in prison.
If the agent shoots and kills the driver, the FBI investigates to determine if the shooting was justified. The driver’s family may also file a civil lawsuit, though qualified immunity often makes these cases difficult to win.
Can ICE Agents Shoot Without Warning?
The law doesn’t require a verbal warning before using deadly force, but DHS policy states agents should give one “if feasible.” In a situation where a vehicle is accelerating toward an agent, there may be no time for a warning.
Courts look at the totality of circumstances. If an agent had time to warn and didn’t, that could be a factor. But in split-second situations, the failure to warn doesn’t automatically make the shooting illegal.
What Rights Do Bystanders Have During ICE Operations?
You have a First Amendment right to record ICE agents in public spaces. Stay at least 8 feet away and don’t physically interfere.
You can make noise, blow whistles, or alert neighbors that ICE is in the area. But you cannot physically block agents, impede arrests, or interfere with their operations. Doing so violates federal law.
Who Investigates When State and Federal Authorities Disagree?
The FBI has primary jurisdiction for investigating federal agents’ use of force. State and local authorities can conduct parallel investigations and bring state charges (like murder or manslaughter) if they believe the agent violated state law and wasn’t acting within their federal authority.
However, federal authorities sometimes invoke jurisdiction to block state access to evidence and witnesses. This creates legal battles that can take months or years to resolve.
Pro Tip: If you’re near ICE operations and see a situation escalating, the best thing you can do is record from a safe distance and immediately call local police. Don’t physically intervene. Your video evidence may be crucial later.
Last Updated: January 12, 2026 — We keep this current with the latest legal developments in federal law enforcement use of force.
Important Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about ICE agent use of force and self-defense rights under federal law. It is not legal advice. Federal and state laws vary, and every situation is different. The information about ICE agent authority and use of force policies is current as of January 2026 but may change. AllAboutLawyer.com does not provide legal services or representation. If you’re involved in an incident with federal agents, facing charges, or need specific legal guidance, consult a qualified criminal defense attorney who handles federal cases in your jurisdiction.
Need to understand your rights during law enforcement encounters? Visit our Criminal Lawyer section for more information about your legal protections.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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