Democratic leaders in Minnesota have issued a furious demand for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to leave the state immediately, following the fatal shooting of a woman during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
Outcry Over Fatal Incident
The call for action came on Wednesday after a federal immigration officer shot and killed a 37-year-old woman. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey voiced the community's profound anger at a press conference, stating, "We’ve dreaded this moment since the early stages of this ICE presence in Minneapolis." He accused the agency of causing chaos and distrust rather than providing safety.
The Department of Homeland Security provided a starkly different account, claiming that during targeted operations, "rioters" blocked officers and one individual "weaponized her vehicle" in an attempt to run over law enforcement, prompting an ICE officer to fire "defensive shots."
Video Evidence Contradicts Official Narrative
Mayor Frey forcefully rejected this version of events. "Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly, that is bullshit," he declared. He characterised the incident as a reckless use of power that resulted in a death.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, also a Democrat, joined in condemning the DHS statement. In his own declaration, Walz urged the public, "Don’t believe this propaganda machine," and promised a full state investigation to ensure accountability and justice.
Political Fallout and Calls for De-escalation
The shooting has intensified the political conflict surrounding the Trump administration's decision to deploy additional ICE agents to Minnesota, a move linked partly to fraud allegations involving Somali residents. State Attorney General Keith Ellison blamed the policy for "spreading terror throughout our communities."
Democratic Senator Tina Smith described the situation in Minneapolis as "volatile" and echoed the call for ICE to depart. State Representative Kelly Morrison demanded full transparency, stating, "ICE needs to leave our state immediately to deescalate this situation and prevent further chaos and harm."
The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota also called for an immediate investigation, asserting that ICE is endangering communities and must leave.
In contrast, Minnesota Republicans defended the ICE officers. Representative Michelle Fischbach called the event a "targeted assault" on agents and blamed sanctuary city rhetoric. Congressman Tom Emmer praised the "brave ICE agents" and criticised officials for what he termed "spewing lies and hateful rhetoric."
The incident leaves Minneapolis deeply divided, with local and state leaders in direct opposition to federal immigration enforcement tactics, demanding an urgent withdrawal to restore calm.
