ICE agent shoots Minneapolis man in leg after attack, officials say

In a rapidly escalating situation that has further inflamed tensions in Minneapolis, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot a Venezuelan national in the leg during a confrontation that city officials have decried as an "unsustainable" display of federal overreach. The incident, which occurred during a "targeted traffic stop," has ignited renewed protests and clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement, adding another layer of volatility to a city already reeling from a previous fatal ICE shooting just days prior.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that federal officers were engaged in a traffic stop when the Venezuelan man resisted arrest and allegedly assaulted an officer. US officials, speaking to the BBC’s partner CBS News, elaborated that the man was shot after an ICE officer was attacked with a shovel. This latest shooting has prompted urgent calls for calm from city leaders, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey declaring the ongoing situation "unsustainable."

The incident follows the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent on January 7th, an event that has been the catalyst for widespread protests not only in Minneapolis but also in several other US cities. Good’s death, and the subsequent differing accounts of the incident from federal and local authorities, has created a deep well of distrust and anger directed at ICE operations in the city.

The man shot in the leg was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The ICE officer involved in the confrontation was also taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries, according to the DHS. The immediate aftermath of the shooting saw renewed clashes between protesters and law enforcement in the vicinity of the incident. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara reported that his officers were targeted with fireworks, ice, and snowballs by demonstrators.

In a statement on the social media platform X, Minneapolis city officials conveyed their understanding of the public’s anger but implored citizens to "remain calm." They also reiterated a strong demand, stating, "The City of Minneapolis again demands that ICE leave the city and state immediately."

The DHS provided a more detailed account of the confrontation, explaining that the man exited his vehicle, leading to an altercation with an ICE official. The department further alleged that two additional individuals emerged from a nearby apartment building and subsequently "attacked" the officer. The DHS statement asserted that the officer, "fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired defensive shots." The department also confirmed that "both attackers are in custody." The BBC has not yet been able to independently verify these details. The FBI has launched an investigation into the incident, according to Chief O’Hara.

Mayor Jacob Frey, in response to the latest ICE-involved shooting, directly accused federal officers of "creating chaos" throughout the state. This latest incident occurs against a backdrop of approximately 3,000 federal officers having been deployed to Minnesota in recent weeks, a deployment that has been a significant point of contention.

The circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good remain a subject of intense debate. The Trump administration has maintained that the ICE agent acted in self-defense, while local officials contend that Good posed no threat. Videos of the incident show ICE agents approaching a vehicle stopped in the middle of the street. As the car attempts to drive away, an agent at the front of the vehicle is seen pointing his weapon at the driver and firing three shots. The FBI is also investigating this prior incident.

Minneapolis city leaders have stated that Good was present at the scene in her capacity as a legal observer, a role involving the monitoring of police and security forces during protests and operations. Good’s mother, speaking to the Minnesota Star Tribune, asserted that her daughter was "not part of anything" that involved challenging ICE agents. However, White House officials, including President Donald Trump, have claimed that Good was not merely observing but was actively interfering with the officers’ duties. A crowdfunding effort established for Good’s widow and family has garnered over $1.4 million.

In a sharp response to reports of the latest ICE shooting, US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche posted on X, stating, "Minnesota insurrection is a direct result of a FAILED governor and a TERRIBLE mayor encouraging violence against law enforcement. It’s disgusting."

Shortly before news of the most recent shooting emerged, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz released a video on social media urging President Trump to end what he termed the "occupation" of ICE officers in the state. Governor Walz expressed his profound displeasure, stating, "Angry is not a strong enough word." The escalating confrontations and the ongoing debate over federal law enforcement presence underscore a deeply fractured relationship between local and federal authorities in Minneapolis. The city, already grappling with the aftermath of a tragedy, now faces another violent incident that threatens to further destabilize the community and amplify demands for accountability and change in federal immigration enforcement practices. The convergence of protests, heightened federal presence, and law enforcement-involved shootings creates a volatile environment, with citizens demanding clear answers and a resolution to the ongoing conflict. The differing narratives surrounding these events highlight the critical need for transparent and thorough investigations to establish the facts and ensure justice for all parties involved.