A woman was fatally shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, during a federal immigration enforcement operation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the death, stating the agent fired "defensive shots" after the driver allegedly tried to use her vehicle as a weapon.
Confrontation During "Targeted Operations"
According to DHS statements on social media platform X, ICE officers were conducting "targeted operations" in the city's south end when protests erupted. The agency alleged the driver attempted to "run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them — an act of domestic terrorism." The agent, fearing for his life, opened fire. The driver was struck and pronounced deceased at the scene. Several ICE officers were injured but are expected to make full recoveries.
Viral video footage from the incident shows a tense standoff in a residential neighborhood. ICE agents, having exited their vehicles, approach an SUV that is blocking the road. One agent orders the driver to exit while another stands in front of the vehicle. The SUV then accelerates toward the agent in its path, prompting another agent to fire multiple shots into the vehicle. The SUV subsequently crashes into a parked car.
Political Leaders Condemn Federal Actions
The shooting triggered immediate and fierce condemnation from Minnesota's top elected officials, who disputed the DHS narrative of self-defence.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey held a news conference where he called the DHS justification "bulls—" after reviewing the video. "This was an agent recklessly using power … that resulted in someone dying, getting killed," Frey stated. In a direct message to federal agents, he declared, "To ICE, get the f— out of Minneapolis. We do not want you here." He argued the operation was terrorizing long-term residents and tearing families apart.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also criticized the Trump administration's approach, calling it a "propaganda machine" and "governing by reality TV." "Today that recklessness cost someone their life," Walz said. He announced he had issued a preparatory warning order to the Minnesota National Guard and had contacted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to demand accountability. Walz urged Minnesotans to protest peacefully, stating, "We can't give them what they want."
Operation Metro Surge and Escalating Tensions
The shooting occurred in the context of Operation Metro Surge, an ICE enforcement campaign launched in late 2025 targeting Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding areas. This operation is part of former President Donald Trump's immigration policy initiatives. A significant deployment of Homeland Security agents arrived in the Twin Cities just days before the fatal encounter.
Former President Trump commented on the incident on his Truth Social platform, calling the video "a horrible thing to watch." He characterized the woman in the vehicle as "very disorderly, obstructing and resisting," while labeling a screaming bystander a "professional agitator."
The DHS stated the situation remains under investigation and more information will be released as it becomes available. Governor Walz has pledged a "full, fair, and expeditious investigation" by the state to ensure justice for the victim's family.
