Minneapolis was thrown into chaos Wednesday following a deadly encounter between federal agents and a civilian.
A 37-year-old woman, allegedly filming an anti-ICE protest with her spouse, was shot inside a car during federal immigration operations, sparking outrage from city officials and local residents.
Mayor Jacob Frey didn’t hold back in his response.
In a fiery statement aimed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), he demanded, “Get the f**k out of Minneapolis,” blaming the agency for the escalating violence and accusing them of tearing apart families in the city.
Conflicting Accounts of the Shooting
Witnesses say the woman and her wife were acting as legal observers, simply recording the protest when the shooting occurred. ICE, however, painted a different picture.
Officials claimed the woman allegedly attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon against federal officers.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the incident as “an act of domestic terrorism,” asserting that the woman “weaponized her SUV” in a deadly attempt to attack the agents.
But Mayor Frey rejected that explanation outright, calling it “garbage” after reviewing video footage of the incident.
State Leaders Join the Outcry
Governor Tim Walz echoed Frey’s criticism, warning residents not to trust the federal narrative.
“I’ve seen the video. Don’t believe this propaganda machine,” he said in a statement on X, emphasizing the need for a “full, fair, and expeditious investigation” to hold anyone accountable.
Senator Tina Smith confirmed that the victim was a U.S. citizen, while Police Chief Brian O’Hara noted there was no indication she was targeted in a law enforcement investigation.
The woman was pronounced dead at a local hospital, leaving her spouse and family in shock.
The Human Toll of Immigration Enforcement
Mayor Frey highlighted the broader consequences of ICE operations, which have intensified across Minneapolis and St. Paul.
“Long-term Minneapolis residents who have contributed to our city, our culture, our economy, are being terrorized,” Frey said.
“Now somebody is dead. That’s on you, and it’s on you to leave.”
He criticized the federal agents’ presence as disruptive rather than protective.
“They are not here to make our city safe. They are creating chaos, tearing families apart, and now people are dying,” he added.
Federal Crackdown Under Fire
This deadly incident comes amid a large-scale federal operation targeting alleged illegal immigrants, with more than 2,000 agents deployed to the Twin Cities.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed hundreds of arrests in the ongoing crackdown, which has drawn attention partly due to fraud allegations involving the city’s Somali population.
Migrant rights groups and neighborhood activists had been preparing for such a surge, establishing alert networks and training volunteers to monitor enforcement activity.
The Immigration Defense Network, for instance, trained around 100 people to watch federal agents and provide neighborhood alerts.
Frey’s History of Controversy
Mayor Frey is no stranger to headlines for his outspoken comments.
In 2024, he stirred debate by calling remote workers “losers,” and last year his impassioned remarks after a school shooting drew criticism from religious leaders, including Minnesota Bishop Robert Barron.
Despite the backlash, Frey continues to position himself as a vocal advocate for city residents, often clashing with federal authorities and state officials he sees as not prioritizing public safety.
Critics, including former political rivals like State Senator Omar Fateh, have accused Frey of creating a divisive city government that struggles to collaborate effectively with county and state partners.
What Comes Next
The fatal shooting marks a tense escalation in federal immigration enforcement operations, raising questions about oversight, accountability, and the human cost of these crackdowns.
As Minneapolis grapples with grief and anger, city leaders are demanding answers while preparing for ongoing protests and advocacy efforts.
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