BREAKING: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has condemned the actions of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer following the fatal shooting of a woman in a residential neighborhood. The incident, which occurred earlier today, has ignited fierce backlash against federal immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities.
During a news conference, Frey declared that the officer acted “recklessly,” directly refuting claims of self-defense made by federal officials. “What they are doing is causing chaos and distrust,” he stated. “They’re ripping families apart. They’re sowing chaos on our streets and in this case quite literally killing people.” His comments underscore the escalating tensions surrounding recent ICE operations in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
The woman, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was shot after allegedly trying to run over law enforcement officers during an immigration enforcement crackdown. The shooting marks a significant escalation in operations that have already seen more than 2,000 agents deployed across the region under the Trump administration’s policies. This is at least the fifth fatal incident linked to such operations since 2024.
Protests erupted shortly after the incident, with demonstrators expressing their anger towards local law enforcement and federal agents, including senior U.S. Customs and Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino. Protesters chanted phrases such as “Shame! Shame! Shame!” and “ICE out of Minnesota!” as they gathered at the scene, illustrating the deep mistrust within the community.
Frey, a fierce advocate for immigrant rights, added, “We are demanding ICE leave the city and state immediately. We stand rock solid with our immigrant and refugee communities.” The shooting occurred just a mile from where George Floyd was killed in 2020, further intensifying the emotional impact on residents who are still grappling with the aftermath of that tragedy.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the operation, which targets fraud allegations involving Somali residents, has already resulted in “hundreds and hundreds” of arrests. Activists and community organizations, like the Immigration Defense Network, have mobilized in anticipation of such enforcement actions. They have trained volunteers to monitor federal activities and created online networks to alert neighborhoods of potential ICE presence.
Local leaders, including Rev. Hierald Osorto of St. Paul’s-San Pablo Lutheran Church, which serves a predominantly Latino congregation, have expressed their concerns about the climate of fear and anxiety in the community. “We’ve been trying to live life as fully as possible in light of the fear and anxiety that we feel,” he said.
As this situation develops, residents are urged to stay informed and involved. The heightened tensions in the Twin Cities signal a broader national debate about immigration enforcement policies and their impact on communities across the country.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates on the investigation into the shooting and the ongoing immigration operation. Community leaders continue to advocate for the safety and rights of all residents as they navigate this crisis.
