A 37-year-old woman was shot and killed during an ICE operation in Minneapolis, leaving the city reeling and families in shock.
Homeland Security described the incident as an act of “domestic terrorism,” claiming the woman tried to use her SUV as a weapon against agents.
Witnesses and local officials, however, dispute that characterization, calling the situation chaotic and tragic.
The Shooting and Immediate Aftermath
According to federal authorities, the woman allegedly attempted to ram ICE officers in her burgundy SUV.
DHS officials said an agent fired defensively, fearing for his life and the safety of those around him.
The vehicle was seen with a bullet hole through the driver’s side windshield, and the woman reportedly crashed into a light pole and two parked cars following the gunfire.
Life-saving efforts were made, but she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the shooting occurred as the woman was blocking the road. Two shots were fired before her vehicle crashed.
Senator Tina Smith stated the woman was a U.S. citizen, while O’Hara emphasized that there was no evidence she was under investigation before the shooting.
The FBI has opened an inquiry into the incident, signaling a federal-level review of the facts.
Families Caught in the Chaos
The human cost of the incident is profound.
Witnesses reported a spouse arriving at the hospital where the victim was pronounced dead, expressing anguish over the sudden loss and the challenges of navigating a new city without support.
The scene painted a stark picture of families and residents caught in the middle of escalating law enforcement operations.
Minneapolis on Edge
The shooting comes as Minneapolis faces heightened tensions due to a massive ICE deployment.
Over 2,000 officers have been stationed in the city as part of what DHS describes as its largest immigration enforcement operation ever.
Protests erupted immediately after the shooting, with demonstrators throwing snowballs at federal agents and police deploying tear gas and pepper spray to maintain control.
Metal barricades have been set up to separate protesters from ICE personnel.
Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the federal agency’s presence, calling it “chaos” and demanding that ICE leave the city.
“We stand rock solid with our immigrant and refugee communities,” he said.
Frey accused DHS of attempting to portray the shooting as self-defense, dismissing that narrative as “bulls**t” and calling on residents to respond with unity and love in the face of fear.
State Officials Respond
Governor Tim Walz confirmed that state public safety officials are monitoring the situation closely.
He urged residents to remain calm while investigations continue, and rejected the DHS characterization of the shooting, labeling their statements as “propaganda.”
Federal officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, maintained that the ICE agent acted appropriately to protect himself and the public.
Adverse weather conditions were also cited as complicating factors, with officers reportedly getting stuck in the snow before the incident escalated.
Broader Context of ICE Operations in Minneapolis
The city has become a flashpoint in national immigration debates.
DHS has intensified operations in Somali communities following viral claims of fraud at daycare centers, while also clashing with local hotels over accommodations for federal agents.
Hilton Hotels faced accusations of refusing rooms to ICE personnel, which the company denied, emphasizing its commitment to serving all guests.
Local protests and confrontations highlight the strain between federal enforcement and community trust in Minneapolis.
What Comes Next
Investigations by the FBI, state authorities, and local law enforcement are ongoing.
Minneapolis remains on high alert as protests continue, families seek answers, and officials weigh the next steps in a city grappling with both grief and escalating tensions.
The tragedy has intensified debates over immigration enforcement, police accountability, and the safety of residents caught in federal operations.
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