What really happened in Minneapolis? ICE Shooting leaves woman dead as witnesses, officials clash over the truth
Law enforcement swarm scene of ICE shooting in Minneapolis. Image Source: FOX9
A fatal shooting involving a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer has plunged Minneapolis into renewed tension, as conflicting accounts emerge over how a woman was killed during an immigration enforcement operation in the city’s south side.
The incident occurred Wednesday morning near East 34th Street and Portland Avenue, where multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies converged following reports of gunfire. By late morning, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the woman shot by an ICE officer had died from her injuries.
ICE Claims Officer Acted in Self-Defense
According to DHS and ICE officials, the shooting unfolded as officers were conducting what they described as a targeted immigration operation. Authorities say protesters surrounded agents, escalating the situation.
In a statement released to FOX 9 and CBS Minnesota, DHS alleged the woman “weaponized her vehicle”, attempting to run over ICE officers.
“An ICE officer, fearing for his life and the lives of his fellow officers, fired defensive shots,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
Federal officials labeled the act “domestic terrorism”, claiming the officer’s actions prevented further harm. DHS said two ICE officers were injured but are expected to recover.
Witnesses Dispute ICE’s Account
Eyewitnesses interviewed by FOX 9 sharply contradicted the federal narrative.
Multiple witnesses said ICE agents surrounded the woman’s vehicle, attempted to open her doors, and fired shots while the vehicle was not moving toward officers. One witness reported that shots were fired through the driver’s side window as agents stood nearby.
Witnesses also claimed a doctor at the scene was prevented from rendering aid, and that an ambulance was delayed after being blocked by federal vehicles. The woman was later carried from the scene and transported by paramedics.
CBS News reported that the woman was later identified by Sen. Tina Smith as a U.S. citizen, further intensifying scrutiny of ICE’s operation.
READ ALSO
Who is Timothy Craig Ramsey? Fugitive wanted for shooting McCaysville police captain
Protests, Chemical Agents, and Escalation
As news of the shooting spread, protesters flooded the area, clashing with federal agents for hours. Video captured agents deploying chemical irritants, believed to be pepper balls, after snowballs were thrown at federal vehicles.
By midday, federal agents began withdrawing from the immediate scene, leaving Minneapolis police and Hennepin County deputies to manage crowd control behind metal barricades.
City and State Leaders Demand ICE Leave Minneapolis
The shooting prompted swift and forceful reactions from Minnesota’s political leaders.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly demanded ICE withdraw from the city, calling the federal presence “chaos.”
“We’re demanding ICE leave the city immediately. We stand rock solid with our immigrant and refugee communities,” Frey said.
Governor Tim Walz urged calm while confirming the state Department of Public Safety was gathering information. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, who had warned just a day earlier that a surge of federal agents could lead to tragedy, said his fears had been realized.
Calls for Independent Local Investigation Grow
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced her office is “pushing hard for a local investigation”, stressing that transparency cannot be ensured through a solely federal review.
Minneapolis City Council Member Jason Chavez, who represents the area, went further, calling for the ICE agent involved to be arrested immediately.
Rep. Ilhan Omar also weighed in, accusing ICE of “terrorizing communities” and demanding an end to federal immigration operations in the city.
A City on Edge Amid ‘Largest Ever’ ICE Operation
The fatal shooting comes amid DHS claims that ICE is conducting its largest immigration enforcement operation ever, with an estimated 2,000 federal agents deployed across the Twin Cities metro area.
As investigations loom and public trust fractures, Minneapolis now finds itself at the center of a national debate over federal immigration enforcement, use of force, and local authority.
FAQ
What happened in Minneapolis involving ICE?
A woman was fatally shot by an ICE officer during an immigration enforcement operation in south Minneapolis on January 7, 2026.
Where did the Minneapolis ICE shooting occur?
The shooting happened near East 34th Street and Portland Avenue in south Minneapolis.
Why did ICE say the officer fired shots?
ICE claims the woman attempted to run over officers with her vehicle, prompting defensive gunfire.
Do witnesses agree with ICE’s version?
No. Multiple witnesses say the vehicle was not moving toward officers when shots were fired.
Was the victim an undocumented immigrant?
According to Sen. Tina Smith, the woman was a U.S. citizen.
Is there an investigation underway?
Yes. Federal authorities are reviewing the incident, and Hennepin County officials are demanding a local, independent investigation.
What has Minneapolis leadership said?
Mayor Jacob Frey and other city leaders have demanded ICE leave Minneapolis immediately.
Did protests break out after the shooting?
Yes. Protesters clashed with federal agents, and chemical irritants were deployed.
Are ICE operations continuing in Minnesota?
DHS says ICE is conducting its largest enforcement operation ever, though agents withdrew from the immediate scene.
Why is Jesse Ventura backing Minneapolis anti-ICE...
January 9, 2026