Tensions erupted in Minneapolis on Wednesday 7 January 2026 after a woman was shot and killed by a federal immigration officer, prompting the city's mayor to launch an extraordinary public attack on the agency involved.
Conflicting Accounts of a Fatal Encounter
The incident occurred during a major immigration enforcement operation in the city. According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the 37-year-old woman attempted to use her car as a weapon, trying to run over an officer. Spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin described the act as "an attempt to kill them—an act of domestic terrorism." She stated an ICE officer fired defensive shots, fearing for his life and those of colleagues, hitting the alleged perpetrator.
However, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey vehemently contested this narrative during a press conference. Having viewed footage of the event, he called the DHS claims "bullshit" and accused ICE of pushing a "garbage narrative." He forcefully told the federal agents to "get the f*** out" of the city.
Local Authorities Challenge Federal Version
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara provided details that diverged from the federal account. He confirmed the woman was in her vehicle blocking the roadway on Portland Avenue but did not indicate she was trying to harm anyone. Chief O'Hara stated that a federal officer approached on foot, the vehicle began to drive off, and at least two shots were fired. The car then crashed. He confirmed the woman was shot in the head and was not the target of any known investigation.
The shooting happened in a residential area south of downtown, just a mile from where George Floyd was killed in 2020. A large group of protesters quickly gathered at the scene, expressing anger towards law enforcement.
Political Fallout and Investigations Launched
The DHS had earlier announced its largest ever immigration operation in Minnesota, involving around 2,000 agents focused partly on fraud allegations involving Somali residents. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem backed her officers, branding the incident domestic terrorism.
In response, Mayor Frey criticised the operation's very purpose: "They are not here to cause safety in this city... They're ripping families apart. They're sowing chaos on our streets and in this case quite literally killing people." Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also weighed in on social media, urging the public not to believe the "propaganda machine" and promising a full state investigation.
The FBI has launched an investigation into the shooting. No ICE officers were reported injured in the incident.
