On Wednesday night, a chaotic scene unfolded in Minneapolis as a group of anti-ICE protesters clashed with police, throwing fireworks and rocks after a federal immigration officer shot a Venezuelan immigrant in the leg.
In light of the unrest, local officials urged the demonstrators to “go home” and avoid further escalating the already heightened tensions in the city, which had seen two deadly shootings involving federal agents within a week.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the protests as illegal activities, stating, “Fireworks were thrown at officers and gas was used multiple times. Police are attempting to break up this unlawful gathering at this time.”
He emphasized the urgency for anyone present to leave the scene, remarking on the volatile atmosphere. O’Hara expressed confidence that law enforcement would thoroughly investigate the incident, which he referred to as needing to reach its “logical conclusion.”
In these confrontations, protesters have reportedly hurled ice, rocks, and various objects at federal agents—a behavior O’Hara characterized as “way over the line.”
Reports suggest that police responded with pepper balls and flash bangs to disperse the crowds gathered mostly around the 600 block of North 24th Street, where the shooting took place amid a late-night altercation.
The individual who was shot had entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and, according to the Department of Homeland Security, he tried to escape during a targeted traffic stop, allegedly attacking federal officers with a snow shovel and a broom.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey joined Chief O’Hara in calling for the protesters to disperse. He urged the community to refrain from “fighting Donald Trump’s chaos with our own chaos,” emphasizing the unsustainable situation the city is currently in.
Frey expressed his views on ICE’s actions, describing them as “disgusting and intolerant” and appealing to protesters not to let frustration drive them to violence. He stressed the importance of continuing peaceful demonstrations, particularly in the wake of Renee Nicole Good’s death at the hands of an ICE officer last week.
The mayor pointed out that this incident marked the second shooting in just a week, noting the community’s fear and tension. He reminded everyone that there are other, more constructive avenues to explore when dealing with such conflicts.
Amidst this turmoil, he noted that Minneapolis’ police force, typically responding to everyday crimes, is struggling to manage the influx of approximately 3,000 federal agents operating in the city.
Frey remarked that it’s unacceptable for two government agencies to be effectively at odds with each other in this manner.
Following the shooting, both the federal officer and the injured suspect received treatment at a nearby hospital, with the suspect sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
The Department of Homeland Security also reported that two individuals were arrested after allegedly assaulting staff members with snow shovels and broomsticks after emerging from a nearby apartment.
According to O’Hara, the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Enforcement are currently gathering evidence related to the incident.
