Gavin Newsom and Karoline Leavitt Clash Over ICE Shooting and Epstein Files

California Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly criticized White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt following her comments regarding the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. Leavitt's remarks, which accused Democrats of protecting "illegal alien pedophiles," have sparked a heated exchange, particularly in light of ongoing controversies surrounding the release of Jeffrey Epstein's files.

Daily Beast

Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother, was shot and killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. Ross claimed he acted in self-defense after Good allegedly rammed her vehicle into him. This incident has led to widespread protests in Minneapolis, with demonstrators demanding justice for Good and calling for the removal of ICE from their communities. Leavitt's defense of the ICE agent and her characterization of Good as a "lunatic" have drawn significant backlash.

Mediaite

Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, has emerged as a vocal critic of the Trump administration's handling of both the ICE shooting and the Epstein files. In contrast, Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, has defended ICE's actions and criticized Democrats for allegedly prioritizing the rights of criminals over law-abiding citizens. Their exchange highlights the broader political divide regarding immigration enforcement and accountability.

The Independent

In response to Leavitt's accusations, Newsom's press office highlighted the Trump administration's failure to comply with a Congressional deadline for releasing documents related to the Epstein investigation. Newsom questioned, "The Trump Administration has still not complied with Congressional law and released the Epstein Files … WHY?" This statement underscores the ongoing scrutiny of the Trump administration's ties to Epstein, who was once a known associate of Donald Trump.

Inquisitr

Leavitt's comments have faced criticism from various quarters. Many have pointed out the irony of her accusations against Democrats, given the Trump administration's incomplete release of Epstein's files. Critics argue that her remarks distract from the pressing issues surrounding the shooting of Good and the broader implications of ICE's actions in communities. Social media reactions have included calls for accountability and condemnation of Leavitt's framing of the situation.

Daily Beast

While Leavitt asserts that ICE's actions are justified and necessary for national security, protesters and some lawmakers contest this narrative, arguing that the shooting of Good was unjustified. Additionally, there are conflicting reports regarding the extent of the documents released by the Justice Department concerning Epstein, with some lawmakers claiming that the release has been inadequate and heavily redacted.

Mediaite

• “The Trump Administration has still not complied with Congressional law and released the Epstein Files … WHY?” — Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

The Independent

• “It's disgusting what we have seen from the left, and I think that it just shows you where the modern-day Democrat Party stands today in protecting illegal alien pedophiles and rapists and murderers over law-abiding American citizens and our brave men and women who serve in law enforcement,” — Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

The Independent

As the situation unfolds, calls for further investigation into the shooting of Renee Good continue, alongside demands for the complete release of Epstein's files. Lawmakers, including Congressman Ro Khanna, are exploring legal options to ensure compliance with transparency regarding the Epstein case. The political ramifications of these events are likely to resonate as the 2026 elections approach, with both parties seeking to leverage the narrative to their advantage.

The Independent