ICE Agent Fatally Shot Minneapolis Woman Sparking Outrage and Fears of Expanding Federal Crackdown
Written by b87fm on 01/07/2026
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 07: An onlooker holds a sign that reads “Shame” as members of law enforcement work the scene following a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on January 07, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, “fearing for his life” killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
A 37-year-old woman was shot and killed Wednesday morning by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in South Minneapolis, turning a federal immigration raid into a national flashpoint over power, policing, and the growing reach of federal force in American cities.
The shooting happened near East 34th Street and Portland Avenue during a large ICE operation launched just one day after the Trump administration announced a sweeping immigration crackdown.
Federal Officials Claim “Self-Defense” — City Leaders Call It “Reckless Power”
The Department of Homeland Security says the ICE agent opened fire only after the woman allegedly tried to use her vehicle as a weapon.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin claimed the woman “weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers,” and said the agent fired “defensive shots” to save lives.
Federal officials have not released the agent’s name or body-camera footage. They have also not explained why lethal force was used.
Minneapolis leaders, however, say the federal narrative doesn’t match reality.
Mayor Jacob Frey said the video he reviewed does not support ICE’s claim of self-defense.
“This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying,” Frey said. “The narrative that this was just done in self-defense is a garbage narrative.”
Frey demanded federal agents leave Minneapolis, saying their presence is “causing chaos on our streets.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called for calm but promised a full investigation to ensure “accountability and justice.”
Woman Was Not a Criminal Target
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the woman suffered a gunshot wound to the head and died at Hennepin County Medical Center. He also confirmed there is no indication she was the target of any investigation.
The FBI and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are now leading the investigation.
Community Anger Grows
Crowds gathered at the scene, demanding answers and accusing ICE of using military-style force in civilian neighborhoods. The shooting has inflamed fears that the federal government’s expanding immigration crackdown is turning into open warfare on American streets.
Supporters of the raids claim aggressive action is necessary. Critics say this is exactly the kind of abuse of power communities have long warned about — and a dangerous sign of where the country is headed.
Federal authorities say more information will eventually be released. Minneapolis residents aren’t waiting — they’re already shaken, angry, and deeply distrustful after another life lost under the banner of “law enforcement.”
