An incident involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents has resulted in the shooting death of a woman in Minneapolis. This occurred amid a new immigration crackdown announced by the Trump administration.
Details of the Incident
On Wednesday, a 37-year-old woman was shot by an ICE officer during a federal operation in the city. The shooting transpired shortly after federal authorities launched an extensive immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota.
Official Statements
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, alleged that ICE agents encountered “rioters” during the operation. She claimed the victim attempted to run over law enforcement officers with her vehicle.
“An ICE officer, fearing for his life, fired defensive shots,” McLaughlin stated. Her comments raised eyebrows and led to significant backlash from local officials.
Local Reactions
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the actions of the ICE agents, asserting that the situation should not be portrayed as self-defense. “This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying,” he stated during a press conference.
Mayor Frey urged ICE agents to withdraw from the city, suggesting that their presence was causing chaos and disrupting families. “Federal immigration authorities are ripping families apart,” he emphasized.
Investigation and Concerns
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara disclosed that local law enforcement found the woman with a gunshot wound to the head. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at Hennepin County Medical Center.
Initial reports indicate that the shooting happened as the woman’s vehicle was blocking Portland Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets. According to O’Hara, as federal agents approached her vehicle, the woman attempted to drive away, leading to the gunfire.
Investigative Actions
Concerns over the use of deadly force by federal agents have been raised by local authorities. O’Hara expressed that while deadly force may sometimes be justified, it is generally used as a last resort by most U.S. law enforcement agencies.
“It’s obviously very concerning whenever there’s a shooting into a vehicle of someone who’s not armed,” he added.
The FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are now investigating the incident and examining the appropriateness of the force used by ICE agents.
