Minneapolis – A federal immigration agent shot and killed a 37-year-old woman Wednesday morning in south Minneapolis during a large-scale enforcement operation that has brought thousands of federal personnel into the Twin Cities this week. Federal officials said the shooting was an act of self-defense after the woman allegedly tried to strike officers with her vehicle, but city leaders say video shows a different sequence of events.
The shooting happened on Portland Avenue in a residential area south of downtown. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the woman’s vehicle was blocking the roadway when a federal officer approached on foot, the vehicle began to drive off, and at least two shots were fired. The SUV then crashed nearby. The chief did not publicly identify the woman, but said she was married and not a target of immigration enforcement. U.S. Senator Tina Smith said she was a U.S. citizen.
The Department of Homeland Security said an ICE officer opened fire after the woman attempted to run over officers. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, speaking from Texas, described the incident as an attack on federal officers and said the shooting was defensive. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey strongly rejected that characterization, saying he reviewed video that contradicts the federal narrative and argued the operation is creating distrust and instability in the community.
Within hours, hundreds of protesters gathered near the scene, chanting at federal personnel and demanding ICE leave the city. Heavily armed federal agents deployed chemical irritants as tensions escalated around the perimeter. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he was prepared to activate the National Guard if needed, while urging the public to keep protests peaceful.
