An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis on Wednesday during federal enforcement operations, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reporting the incident, Baltimore Chronicle via ABC News. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that the woman allegedly attempted to run over law enforcement officers when the officer fired “defensive shots.” The identities of both the victim and the ICE officer involved have not been disclosed.
City Council member Jason Chavez described the victim as a U.S. citizen who “was an observer” and “watching out for our immigrant neighbors,” providing context for her presence during the enforcement actions. McLaughlin characterized the woman as part of a group she referred to as “rioters,” citing the officer’s response as defensive during the confrontation.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labeled the incident an “act of domestic terrorism.” During a press briefing in Texas, Noem explained that ICE officers encountered difficulties due to snow and adverse weather while conducting enforcement operations. She said the woman “attacked them and those surrounding them and attempted to run them over and ram them with her vehicle.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issued a statement condemning the presence of federal immigration agents and called for ICE to leave the city immediately. He emphasized that “the presence of federal immigration enforcement agents is causing chaos in our city” and reiterated his support for immigrant and refugee communities.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed that his office is working to gather information on the ICE-related shooting, posting on social media that “we will share information as we learn more” and urging residents to remain calm.
The City of Minneapolis confirmed awareness of the shooting near East 34th Street and Portland Avenue and advised the public to avoid the area. Authorities noted that the deployment of federal immigration agents is contributing to tension and making the community feel less safe.
A large law enforcement presence remained at the scene, where protesters gathered. Some demonstrators were reportedly pepper-sprayed by law enforcement during the incident.
Sources indicate that a significant deployment of ICE and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents is underway in the Twin Cities to carry out immigration enforcement and fraud investigations. Reports suggest that as many as 2,000 agents could be involved, with approximately 600 HSI agents and 1,400 ICE agents participating, although these figures may change.
Recent federal enforcement in Minneapolis has included scrutiny of Somali-run childcare centers due to alleged fraud. Secretary Noem was present in Minneapolis on Tuesday overseeing immigration enforcement operations ahead of the shooting.
Earlier we wrote that Helicopter Crashes in Arizona Mountains, Four Dead; Authorities Investigate Remote Site.
