The Department of Homeland Security reported that a federal immigration officer shot an illegal Venezuelan immigrant in the leg after the suspect allegedly fled a traffic stop and subsequently attacked the officer with a snow shovel.
According to DHS, the individual, who is in the U.S. unlawfully, crashed into a parked vehicle while attempting to evade federal agents. Following the crash, he tried to escape on foot but was subdued by the officers on the scene.
While he was struggling with the officers, two other men emerged from a nearby apartment and aggressively attacked the officers using snow shovels and broomsticks.
After the initial confrontation, the Venezuelan immigrant managed to break free from police control and began striking the officer. The officer then shot him in the leg out of fear for his safety.
Latest updates on the Minneapolis shooting involving ICE.
Both the injured officer and the suspect received treatment at a local hospital, while the two attackers were apprehended. Initially, DHS indicated that the man arrested had entered the U.S. illegally in 2022.
That evening, a series of gunshots echoed through the Twin Cities, coinciding with a car chase. Around 8 p.m. local time, federal agents converged on an area near North Lindale and 25th Avenue, not far from a local park.
Photographers on the scene reported seeing at least one ambulance leave the area. Following the confrontation, protesters gathered, though police attempted to keep them separated from the active scene, leading to tensions as some attempted to breach the barriers.
Law enforcement then responded by deploying chemical irritants, prompting some protesters to retaliate by throwing blocks of ice.
The City of Minneapolis acknowledged reports of the shooting involving federal law enforcement and stated it was working to verify the details. The Minneapolis Police Department also confirmed awareness of the incident and noted that they were gathering further information.
This shooting occurred just a week after another incident in which a woman was fatally shot by an ICE officer after allegedly trying to use her vehicle as a weapon against federal agents during a protest nearby.
The inquiry into this shooting is still unfolding, and more information will be shared as it becomes available.
