An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed a 37-year-old woman on Wednesday morning, January 7, 2026, during a large-scale federal immigration enforcement operation in south Minneapolis, sparking immediate protests, clashes with law enforcement, and sharp condemnation from local officials.
The shooting occurred near East 34th Street and Portland Avenue in the Powderhorn neighborhood, as part of what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described as the “largest DHS operation ever” in the Twin Cities, involving over 2,000 agents targeting immigration violations and alleged fraud in Somali communities.
Conflicting Accounts Emerge
Federal Version: DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated the woman “weaponized her vehicle,” attempting to run over officers in an “act of domestic terrorism.” An agent fired “defensive shots” in self-defense.
Local and Witness Accounts: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey disputed this, calling the shooting “reckless” and not self-defense after reviewing video. Witnesses described the woman trying to turn around or block the street, with one alleging the agent shot her multiple times in the face at close range. Some reports identify her as a “legal observer” monitoring ICE activities.
Protests quickly erupted, with crowds throwing snowballs and chanting against ICE. Authorities deployed tear gas and pepper spray to disperse demonstrators.
Local Leaders Demand ICE Withdrawal Mayor Frey bluntly demanded: “To ICE, get the fork out of Minneapolis.” He accused federal agents of causing “chaos” and stood in solidarity with immigrant communities.
Governor Tim Walz called for calm while gathering information. Rep. Ilhan Omar and Sen. Tina Smith echoed calls for ICE to leave, citing risks to safety.
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The incident follows warnings from Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara about potential “tragedy” from the federal surge.
This is a developing story with ongoing investigations and heightened tensions.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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