An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer has shot a man in the leg in Minneapolis, where tensions have been heightened due to previous incidents involving federal agents. The shooting occurred during a targeted traffic stop aimed at a Venezuelan national who allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted an officer.
Reports indicate that the man was shot after attacking an ICE officer with a shovel. This incident led to heightened tensions in the area, sparking clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey characterized the current situation as unsustainable and requested calm from the community. The recent shooting came soon after the controversial death of a 37-year-old woman named Renee Nicole Good, who was shot by an ICE agent, igniting protests not just in Minneapolis but across several U.S. cities.
The man injured in the shooting was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the ICE officer also required hospitalization for treatment. The incident led to renewed tensions, with the police chief reporting being targeted by fireworks and projectiles from demonstrators.
Authorities emphasized that they are aware of public anger, urging calm. They reiterated their call for ICE to exit Minneapolis and pointed to the rapid deployment of federal officers to the city as being problematic for community relations.
The Department of Homeland Security reported that the recent shooting incident involved the man exiting his vehicle during a confrontation. Two bystanders allegedly joined the confrontation, prompting the officer to fire in self-defense.
As protests continue, city officials have raised concerns about the presence and actions of ICE in Minneapolis, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution.
