UPDATE: In a shocking series of incidents, federal immigration agents have fired shots at vehicles at least six times in recent months, prompting urgent concerns over the use of deadly force. The latest incident occurred on Wednesday morning in Minneapolis, where a 37-year-old woman was fatally shot by an ICE agent during a major operation in the city.
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the agent shot the driver, claiming the vehicle was attempting to ram into agents.
“An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots,”
said DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.
This incident is not isolated. Videos circulating on social media show the moments before and after the shooting, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stating at a press conference that the footage does not support the claim that the driver was trying to hit the agents. This raises serious questions about the justification for such extreme measures.
Earlier this year, incidents in locations like Black Forest, Colorado and Chicago also involved ICE agents firing at vehicles. In July, an ICE spokesperson reported that two individuals attempted to ram their vehicle into agents, leading to shots fired. In September, an ICE agent fatally shot Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez in a Chicago suburb, as he allegedly tried to evade arrest by driving at the officers.
In Los Angeles last month, a TikTok streamer named Carlitos Ricardo Parias was shot in the elbow during an arrest attempt when he allegedly tried to ram his vehicle into federal agents. A judge later dismissed charges against him, citing violations of his rights during detention.
In Ontario, California, another incident saw an immigration agent shoot a man in the shoulder as he tried to escape from agents. The man’s attorney claimed he was maneuvering to avoid being pepper-sprayed when he was shot.
Similar confrontations have occurred in St. Paul, Minnesota and outside Baltimore, Maryland, where ICE agents fired shots at vehicles driven by undocumented individuals. In both cases, authorities stated the officers acted out of fear for their safety.
These incidents have sparked public outrage and raised questions about the protocols governing the use of force by immigration officers. The troubling pattern of shootings underscores the urgent need for scrutiny and potential reform in ICE practices.
As the situation develops, communities and lawmakers are calling for accountability and a review of ICE’s operational procedures. The impact of these events resonates deeply, with families affected by the violence and communities grappling with trust in law enforcement.
What’s next? Activists and civil rights groups are expected to demand investigations and changes to ensure the safety of individuals during enforcement actions. As this story continues to unfold, further updates are anticipated from officials and community leaders.
Stay tuned for the latest developments on this pressing issue.
