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A shooting involving a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis has escalated into public protests and sharp exchanges between city officials and federal authorities. The incident has intensified tensions over immigration enforcement and public safety.
Officials say the confrontation unfolded rapidly and remains under investigation.
Traffic stop turns violent
A Venezuelan man was shot in the leg by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent during a targeted traffic stop in North Minneapolis on Wednesday, Jan. 14, according to a Department of Homeland Security statement obtained by People.
ICE said the stop took place at about 6:50 p.m. local time. The man, whose identity has not been released, allegedly tried to flee, crashed into a parked vehicle, and then ran from the scene.
Authorities said officers caught up with him and attempted to arrest him when he began resisting.
Defensive shot fired
According to DHS, the man “began to resist and violently assault the officer” during a struggle on the ground. The agency said two other people then came out of a nearby apartment and attacked the officer with a snow shovel and broom handle.
The first man allegedly struck the officer with one of the objects after breaking free. DHS said the officer feared for his life and fired “a defensive shot to defend his life,” striking the man in the leg.
The man and the officer were both taken to hospital. Two other people were taken into custody.
City demands ICE exit
After the shooting, Minneapolis officials urged calm. In a post on X, the city said: “We understand there is anger. We ask the public to remain calm.”
In a follow-up statement, the city said: “The City of Minneapolis again demands that ICE leave the city and state immediately. We stand by our immigrant and refugee communities – know that you have our full support.”
Mayor Jacob Frey later said the city was in an “impossible situation” as protests grew.
Unlawful protests declared
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said protesters threw fireworks, ice, and rocks at law enforcement and were “engaging in unlawful acts.” He said police were attempting to disperse what he called an unlawful assembly and that gas had been deployed.
“I urge anyone that is at the scene to leave immediately,” O’Hara said. “This is already a very tense situation.”
Frey urged peaceful protest, saying: “We cannot counter Donald Trump’s chaos with our own brand of chaos.”
Sources: People, Department of Homeland Security
