An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot a Venezuelan man. This happened in north Minneapolis Wednesday night. Officials say the man attacked the officer. The incident occurred during an arrest. It ignited protests and clashes with law enforcement. This news is significant for immigration discussions.
The shooting happened during an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) action. It took place near North Sixth Street and North 24th Avenue. Law enforcement officials provided details. The target was a Venezuelan national. He allegedly wielded a shovel. He assaulted an ICE officer. He struck the agent. He attempted to hit the agent’s head. An ICE ERO agent then discharged their firearm. The man was struck in the leg. He then fled into a nearby residence.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offered further information. The man tried to evade arrest. He fled in a vehicle. He crashed into a parked car. Then, he fled on foot. An officer caught up to him. The man reportedly resisted arrest. He violently assaulted the officer. During their struggle, two other people emerged. They came from a nearby apartment. These individuals attacked the ICE officer. They used a snow shovel and a broom handle. The initial suspect broke free. He also began assaulting the officer. He used a shovel or broom handle.
The officer feared for his life. He was ambushed by three individuals. He fired defensive shots. This action was to defend his life. The man shot in the leg is expected to recover. His injuries were not life-threatening. He and the officer were hospitalized. The officer sustained injuries. The severity of the officer’s injuries remains unclear.
The two attackers are now in custody. The initial suspect was also apprehended. Officials believe all individuals inside the home were taken into custody. The incident began shortly before a statewide address. Governor Tim Walz spoke about the increase in federal agents. He urged the administration to end the “occupation.” He also encouraged residents to record federal agents’ actions.
This is not the first ICE-involved shooting recently. It occurred about a week after ICE officer Jonathan Ross shot Renee Good. Good was a U.S. citizen. She was fatally shot. That shooting sparked protests. These demonstrations spread to other cities. Tensions were already elevated.
Protesters gathered at the scene. They clashed with law enforcement. The city of Minneapolis urged calm. They asked the public to remain peaceful. The City of Minneapolis also demanded ICE depart the city. They stated, “We stand by our immigrant and refugee communities.” U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche labeled the protests an “insurrection.” He blamed the governor and mayor. He claimed they encouraged violence against law enforcement.
ICE Operations in Minneapolis
ICE has conducted several operations in Minneapolis. These actions often target criminal illegal aliens. They have arrested individuals convicted of serious crimes. These include homicide, sexual assault, and drug trafficking. Some faced final orders of removal for many years. These operations have drawn criticism. Advocates express concerns. They note some detainees are legal migrants or refugees. These individuals have deportation protections. Some Native Americans have also been detained. Tribal leaders claim they experienced profiling.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has criticized ICE. He called their conduct “disgusting and intolerable.” He urged protesters to return home. He stated, “We cannot counter Donald Trump’s chaos with our own brand of chaos.” Governor Tim Walz also criticized the presence of federal agents. He referred to it as an “occupation.”
The U.S. government has deployed many federal officers. This has heightened tensions. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the FBI are investigating the shooting.
The recent events highlight ongoing conflict. This conflict exists between federal immigration enforcement and the city. The news emerges amid broader national immigration debates.
The incident involving the ICE officer and the man with a shovel occurred during increased federal activity. This presence has sparked protests. The situation remains highly charged. Federal immigration news continues to be a key topic.
