Tension in Minneapolis deepened again after another violent encounter involving federal immigration officers, adding fresh fuel to a city already struggling to keep calm.
What began as a routine enforcement action quickly spiraled into gunfire, protests, and a fierce war of words between city leaders and federal officials.
What Happened During the ICE Arrest
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the incident unfolded Wednesday evening during a targeted traffic stop involving a Venezuelan national described as being in the country illegally.
Authorities say the suspect tried to escape, first by car—crashing into a parked vehicle—and then on foot.
An ICE agent eventually caught up with him and attempted to make an arrest.
That’s when the situation reportedly turned violent.
Officials claim the suspect resisted and attacked the agent, while two other individuals allegedly rushed out of a nearby apartment and joined the assault, using objects such as a shovel and broom handle.
Gunfire, Injuries, and Arrests
Amid the chaos, the ICE agent fired a single shot, striking the original suspect in the leg.
The injured man was taken to hospital and is said to be in stable condition.
The agent, who authorities say was badly beaten, was also hospitalized.
The two additional attackers were arrested and remain in police custody.
Homeland Security later confirmed that the person shot was the same individual originally targeted in the traffic stop.
Protests Erupt and Police Move In
Not long after the shooting, protesters gathered near the scene.
Police reported that the crowd became increasingly hostile, throwing snowballs, ice, and fireworks while chanting slogans directed at law enforcement.
To contain the situation, officers—some wearing masks—used tear gas and flash-bang devices.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara labeled the gathering an unlawful assembly, warning that the actions of protesters were escalating an already volatile situation.
Mayor Frey Urges Calm and Calls Out ICE
Mayor Jacob Frey didn’t mince words when he addressed the city later that night.
He pleaded with demonstrators to leave the area, saying their actions were only making things worse.
He accused ICE and federal border agents of “creating chaos” in Minneapolis and argued that the heavy federal presence—estimated at up to 3,000 immigration officers—was overwhelming the city’s own police force.
“We cannot counter chaos with more chaos,” Frey said, stressing that the protests were not helping undocumented residents or long-time community members who simply want peace and safety.
DHS Pushes Back Hard
Federal officials strongly disagreed with the mayor’s assessment.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the agent involved feared for his life and fired in self-defense after being ambushed by three people.
She also criticized both Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, accusing them of fueling hostility toward ICE and encouraging resistance against federal law enforcement.
McLaughlin claimed assaults on federal officers have surged dramatically, putting lives at risk.
A City Still Reeling From a Recent Death
This latest shooting comes just days after the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent during a protest last week.
Her death has become a rallying point for demonstrations across Minnesota and beyond.
Authorities say Good ignored commands to exit her vehicle and attempted to drive away, while witnesses maintain she and her wife were acting as legal observers.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows her SUV blocking a roadway for several minutes before the fatal shots were fired.
National Fallout and Growing Unrest
The Trump administration has defended the agent who shot Good, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labeling Good’s actions an “act of domestic terrorism.”
That stance has only intensified anger nationwide.
From Los Angeles to Austin to New York, protests have flared, leading to arrests and heightened police responses.
In Minnesota alone, ICE officials say at least 60 people have been charged in recent days for obstructing or assaulting federal officers.
Walz Calls for Calm Amid Anger
Governor Tim Walz acknowledged the community’s outrage but urged residents not to give in to violence.
He warned that unrest only plays into political agendas and insisted Minnesota must remain committed to peace and justice, even during moments of deep frustration.
What Comes Next for Minneapolis
With fear lingering, protests continuing, and city and federal leaders locked in open conflict, Minneapolis faces an uncertain road ahead.
Mayor Frey has again asked the Trump administration to pull ICE agents from the state, saying the city doesn’t have time for prolonged legal battles while tensions remain this high.
For now, residents are left navigating a charged atmosphere where trust is thin, emotions are raw, and the next spark could arrive at any moment.
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