A fatal shooting involving a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis has ignited a fierce political backlash, with local leaders demanding the immediate removal of federal agents from the city.
Confrontation During Federal Operation
The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, during a targeted operation that is part of a broader immigration enforcement surge in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. According to Tricia McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, the woman allegedly drove her vehicle toward officers. "An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots," McLaughlin stated, describing the event as "an act of domestic terrorism."
However, witness accounts and video footage present a different sequence of events. A witness told Minnesota Public Radio that the woman's car was blocking traffic on Portland Avenue in what appeared to be a protest. The witness stated ICE officials told the driver to leave and that the driver "was trying to turn around" when the agent shot her. A video posted on social media platform X showed the driver backing up and then moving slowly forward before an ICE agent stepped into the vehicle's path and fired.
Local Officials Condemn Federal Presence
The shooting has provoked intense anger from Minneapolis officials. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara clarified that there was no indication the woman, described as White and middle-aged, was a target of the federal operation. She was reportedly sitting in her car blocking a street due to the presence of the agents.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey was unequivocal in his response, using explicit language to call for ICE agents to leave the city. He vehemently rejected the DHS's self-defence claim, calling it a "garbage narrative" with no truth. "The presence of federal immigration enforcement agents is causing chaos in our city," Frey said. "We're demanding ICE to leave the city immediately. We stand rock solid with our immigrant and refugee communities."
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz urged residents to remain calm as state public safety officials investigate. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased woman.
Background of "Operation Metro Surge"
The shooting took place amid "Operation Metro Surge," a significant federal enforcement push that began in early December. The Trump administration announced this week that the effort could involve up to 2,000 federal agents and has already resulted in at least 1,000 arrests.
Federal officials have partially justified this surge by citing an ongoing fraud investigation into Minnesota's child-care and social sectors, including pandemic-era cases. The New York Times reports that dozens have been charged or convicted, many of whom are of Somali origin. Minnesota is home to a large Somali community, most of whom are permanent residents or citizens.
The scene of the shooting drew crowds, highlighting the deep tensions and political firestorm ignited by the event and the broader federal operation in the city.
