According to on-site journalists, over a hundred federal agents swiftly converged on a Minneapolis location following a significant incident.
MINNEAPOLIS — On Wednesday morning, a shooting connected to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities occurred in Minneapolis, as federal immigration authorities conducted extensive operations in the city. Governor Tim Walz confirmed the event.
Governor Walz addressed the situation on X, stating, “My public safety team is actively gathering details regarding an ICE-related shooting today. As we obtain more information, we will keep the public informed. Meanwhile, I urge everyone to stay calm.”
As reported by NBC News, a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security indicated that the shooting resulted from a “vehicle ramming incident.”
According to the spokesperson, a woman attempted to crash her vehicle into officers, prompting them to fire their weapons. However, NBC News also mentioned that witnesses claimed the individual was shot while attempting to leave the area and was not trying to hit the agents.
Journalists on the ground witnessed the arrival of over a hundred federal agents at the scene near 34th Street and Portland Avenue shortly after the shooting was reported at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
According to KARE11 reporters at the scene, a crashed car at the intersection has a bullet hole in the front windshield on the driver’s side. Two other cars have wreckage damage. Near the scene, protesters began chanting anti-ICE slogans.
A tense interaction nearby saw protesters throwing snowballs at federal officials. The immigration officials responded with pepper spray and paintballs, which are considered non-lethal crowd control devices.
The incident happened during what the Department of Homeland Security called its “largest immigration operation ever.” An estimated six hundred agents and investigators are examining alleged fraud in the state.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also confirmed on social media that the shooting involved an ICE agent. He demanded ICE to leave the city immediately and blamed them for the current chaos.
“I am aware of a shooting involving an ICE agent at 34th Street & Portland,” he wrote on X. “The presence of federal immigration enforcement agents is causing chaos in our city. We’re demanding ICE to leave the city immediately. We stand rock solid with our immigrant and refugee communities.”
State Senator Omar Fateh said in a social media post that he’s received reports that a doctor at the scene was denied the ability to provide lifesaving CPR by federal law enforcement.
A witness showed KARE reporters what appeared to be video of responders attempting to resuscitate someone.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara previously said his department does not enforce immigration laws, according to KARE 11. On Tuesday, he said he appointed a designated supervisor and placed additional officers on standby around the clock due to concerns of potential unrest.
“Every day for the last several weeks has been a challenge,” O’Hara said, adding that his greatest concern is the potential for unrest or a tragedy in which someone could be seriously hurt or killed. He asked protesters to remain peaceful and urged federal agents to conduct their work “professionally and lawfully.”
According to DHS, agents have arrested more than 1,000 people in Minnesota, including 150 in Minneapolis on Monday.
