A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent was hospitalized following an ambush during an arrest operation targeting a Venezuelan national in Minneapolis on Wednesday evening, the Department of Homeland Security reports.
The incident involved two individuals who reportedly ambushed the agent while he was conducting a traffic stop on a Venezuelan immigrant residing illegally in the United States. According to DHS, the agent discharged his firearm during the confrontation, fearing for his own life and safety.
One of the Venezuelan suspects sustained a gunshot wound but is currently stable and has been taken into custody, as confirmed by DHS.
Events unfolded around 6:50 p.m. local time when federal law enforcement sought to initiate a traffic stop. DHS noted that the suspect in question had been allowed entry into the U.S. under the Biden administration in 2022.
According to authorities, the altercation escalated when a suspect allegedly attacked the ICE agent with a shovel, leading to the shooting reported in Minneapolis on Wednesday night.
After attempting to escape by driving away, the suspect crashed into a stationary vehicle and subsequently fled the scene on foot, DHS revealed.
According to DHS, when an officer caught up to the suspect and attempted to take him into custody, the suspect resisted and “violently assaulted the officer.”
DHS said two additional individuals came out of a nearby apartment while the officer and suspect were engaged in a “struggle on the ground,” and attacked the officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle.
The original suspect broke free during the altercation and also began striking the officer with a shovel or broom handle, according to DHS.
The officer fired defensive shots to “defend his life,” DHS said, and the suspect was hit in the leg.
Scene of a new shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, involving an ICE agent after he was allegedly attacked during an attempt to arrest a Venezuelan illegal immigrant. (Jen Johnson)
All three individuals then barricaded themselves inside the apartment before being taken into custody, DHS said.
“This attack on another brave member of law enforcement took place while Minnesota’s top leaders, Governor Walz and Mayor Frey, are actively encouraging an organized resistance to ICE and federal law enforcement officers,” DHS said in a statement.
The department added that the two leaders’ “hateful rhetoric and resistance against men and women who are simply trying to do their jobs must end.”
Protesters in Minnesota take to the streets amid a second shooting involving an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Jan. 14. (Fox News Channel)
“Federal law enforcement officers are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest criminals and lawbreakers,” DHS said.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche reacted to the shooting Wednesday evening, assigning blame to Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
“Minnesota insurrection is a direct result of a FAILED governor and a TERRIBLE mayor encouraging violence against law enforcement,” he wrote in a post on X. “It’s disgusting. Walz and Frey — I’m focused on stopping YOU from your terrorism by whatever means necessary. This is not a threat. It’s a promise.”
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung slammed Walz on X following the incident.
“Thugs assault a law enforcement officer with a shovel after a traffic stop in Minneapolis of an illegal alien RELEASED BY BIDEN,” he stated. “Perhaps they took some inspiration from Loser Tim Walz continually going after officers day in and day out.”
The incident comes less than one week after Renee Nicole Good, 37, was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis after she allegedly attempted to run him over with her car.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Mayor Frey and the office of Gov. Walz for comment.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
