ICE Shooting in Minneapolis Sparks Night of Unrest as Tensions Over Immigration Enforcement Reach Breaking Point

MINNEAPOLIS — A federal immigration operation in North Minneapolis erupted into chaos Wednesday evening when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot a Venezuelan man in the leg during what authorities described as a “violent assault” on agents attempting to make an arrest. The shooting, which occurred just minutes before Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz delivered a statewide address condemning the surge of federal immigration activity, immediately drew protesters to the scene and deepened the city’s growing unrest over ICE’s presence in local neighborhoods.^{1 2 3}

Fireworks thrown at ICE agents.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the incident began as a targeted traffic stop involving a Venezuelan national. According to DHS, the man fled in his vehicle, crashed into another car, and then attempted to escape on foot before being apprehended by ICE officers. Officials say he resisted arrest and “violently assaulted” an officer, prompting the use of force.^{1 2 3}

As agents struggled with the man, two additional individuals emerged from a nearby apartment, allegedly attacking the officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle, escalating the confrontation. The ICE agent fired a single shot, striking the man in the leg. Minneapolis officials confirmed the injury was non‑life‑threatening, and the man was transported to a local hospital for treatment.^{1 2 3}

Federal authorities have not released the identities of the individuals involved. DHS has referred to the primary subject only as a Venezuelan national, without specifying immigration status. Community advocates have cautioned against assumptions, noting that immigration cases often involve a mix of asylum seekers, visa overstays, and individuals awaiting court hearings.

A City Already on Edge

The shooting occurred exactly one week after a separate ICE‑involved killing of a U.S. citizen, Renee Macklin Good, also in Minneapolis — an event that had already fueled widespread anger and fear across the city. Residents have described the presence of federal agents as “militarized” and “disruptive,” with many businesses closing early out of concern for sudden enforcement actions.^{1 2 3}

Gov. Walz, in his primetime address delivered just ten minutes after the shooting, urged Minnesotans to document ICE activity and accused the Trump administration of turning Minnesota neighborhoods into “occupied zones.” His remarks echoed the sentiments of many Minneapolis residents who say the federal surge has destabilized daily life.

Protests Ignite Within Minutes

As word of the shooting spread, crowds gathered rapidly at the scene. Demonstrators confronted federal agents, chanting against ICE operations and demanding accountability. According to DHS, agents deployed irritants and flashbangs to disperse the crowd — a tactic that further inflamed tensions and sent some residents scrambling for safety.^{1 2 3}

Among the protesters was Karen, a Minneapolis nurse who told NPR she attended because she feared more people would be hurt. “I’m here to keep my neighbors safe,” she said, describing the atmosphere as tense and unpredictable.^{1 2 3}

Another demonstrator, Cameron, said the federal presence has pushed local restaurants to close early, with workers afraid that agents might appear without warning. “They have the city turned into a war zone just like they want it to be,” he said.^{1 2 3}

Community Concerns and Federal Response

The incident has intensified scrutiny of ICE’s tactics and raised questions about the federal government’s strategy in Minnesota. DHS maintains that the shooting was justified, citing the alleged assault on the officer and the involvement of additional individuals wielding makeshift weapons.

But community leaders argue that the aggressive enforcement posture is creating unnecessary danger for both residents and officers. Civil rights groups have called for an independent investigation, pointing to the pattern of escalating confrontations between ICE and Minneapolis residents.

Local officials have also expressed concern that the federal surge is undermining community trust and complicating local law enforcement efforts. Minneapolis has a large and diverse immigrant population, including many Venezuelans who arrived in recent years amid political and economic turmoil in their home country.

What Comes Next

The DHS Office of Professional Responsibility is expected to review the shooting, and Minneapolis officials say they will release additional information as it becomes available. Meanwhile, activists are planning further demonstrations, and community organizations are preparing legal and humanitarian support for affected families.

With tensions already high and federal operations continuing across the state, Minneapolis faces a volatile and uncertain path forward. Residents, advocates, and officials alike are bracing for what may come next — and hoping that transparency, accountability, and restraint can prevent further violence.

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References

¹DHS: ICE officers in Minneapolis shoot Venezuelan man in the leg | WYSO. https://www.wyso.org/npr-news/2026-01-15/dhs-ice-officers-in-minneapolis-shoot-venezuelan-man-in-the-leg

²DHS: ICE officers in Minneapolis shoot Venezuelan man in the leg. https://www.tspr.org/npr-news/2026-01-15/dhs-ice-officers-in-minneapolis-shoot-venezuelan-man-in-the-leg

³DHS: ICE officers in Minneapolis shoot Venezuelan man in the leg | NPR Illinois. https://www.nprillinois.org/2026-01-15/dhs-ice-officers-in-minneapolis-shoot-venezuelan-man-in-the-leg