White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt strongly rebuked a journalist during a press briefing on Thursday after he raised concerns about the conduct of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The exchange focused on a recent shooting in Minnesota, where an ICE agent killed Renee Good.

The question came after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended ICE and said the agency was doing “everything correctly.” The remarks triggered a tense confrontation in the briefing room.

Journalist Challenges ICE Claims

Niall Stanage, a White House columnist for The Hill, questioned the administration’s defence of ICE. He cited several incidents to challenge the claim that the agency follows proper procedures.

“32 people died in ICE custody last year, 170 US citizens were detained by ICE, and Renee Good was shot in the head and killed by an ICE agent,” Stanage said. “How is that doing everything correctly?” he asked.

Leavitt Pushes Back Sharply

Before answering, Leavitt asked Stanage why Renee Good was killed. Stanage replied that an ICE agent acted recklessly and killed her without justification.

Leavitt immediately reacted with a sharp response. She accused Stanage of bias and questioned his credibility as a journalist.

“Oh, OK, so you’re a biased reporter with a left-wing opinion,” she said. “You’re a left-wing hack, you’re not a reporter, you’re posing in this room as a journalist, and it’s so clear by the premise of your question.”

She continued her attack and said the media often hides bias behind claims of neutrality.

“And you, and the people in the media — who have such biases, but fake like you’re a journalist — you shouldn’t even be sitting in that seat,” she added.

‘Left-Wing Hack’ Remark Repeated

Leavitt repeated her criticism and again labelled Stanage a “left-wing hack.” She said ICE agents work to protect the country and make Americans safer.

She also urged the journalist to focus on crimes committed by undocumented immigrants rather than questioning ICE actions.

“Shame on you people in the media who have a crooked view, a biased view, and pretend you’re an honest journalist,” Leavitt said.

Question On Elections Avoided

During the same briefing, Leavitt avoided answering another question. A journalist from The Independent asked about a recent remark by President Donald Trump on cancelling elections.

Trump had told Reuters earlier this week that they should not even bother holding the 2026 mid-term elections. The White House later claimed he was joking. Leavitt did not directly respond to the question during the press conference.

The incident added to growing criticism over the administration’s handling of press interactions and sensitive policy issues.