ICE Agent Fatally Shoots Woman in Minneapolis During Federal Immigration Operation

Minneapolis authorities are investigating after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot a woman in a residential area of south Minneapolis on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The incident occurred amid a large federal immigration enforcement effort that brought hundreds of officers into the city.

ICE agent fatally shoots woman in car during Minneapolis immigration crackdown

Local officials confirmed that the shooting took place near the intersection of Portland Avenue and East 34th Street during a federal operation involving immigration agents and other law enforcement personnel. This encounter has prompted protests, public statements from elected leaders, and an ongoing criminal investigation.

Details of the Shooting

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the ICE officer fired his weapon after the woman’s vehicle moved toward officers at the scene. Federal officials characterized the moment as defensive and said the agent believed his life and the safety of others were in danger. Authorities stated that the woman reportedly attempted to strike law enforcement officers with her vehicle. 

Officials have not publicly released the identity of the woman. The Department of Homeland Security did not confirm whether she was a target of the immigration operation. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Local film and witness accounts indicate the exchange between federal agents and the woman unfolded quickly, with agents approaching the vehicle and the woman then moving her car as shots were fired. At least one local resident described hearing multiple shots before the vehicle left the immediate scene. 

Federal and Local Reactions

Federal officials, including representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, described the shooting as a response to a perceived threat against officers. In a written statement, a DHS spokesperson referred to the incident as a serious act involving threats to the safety of federal personnel and said the agent acted in defense of himself and others present. 

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey strongly disputed the federal account, calling it inaccurate and asserting that video footage of the incident contradicts the claim that officers were in immediate danger. The mayor has publicly urged ICE to end its enforcement actions in the city following the shooting. 

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other state leaders also called for a thorough review of the shooting and demanded transparency from federal agencies. Representatives from the U.S. House and Senate issued statements expressing concern over the use of force and the presence of federal agents in Minneapolis. 

Protests and Public Response

The shooting occurred near a neighborhood that has previously seen demonstrations related to policing and racial justice. After news spread of the fatal shooting, community members gathered near the scene to protest the federal presence and the use of force by immigration agents.

Law enforcement personnel reportedly used chemical irritants and other crowd-control measures as some demonstrations grew tense. Officials urged residents to avoid the area while the situation remained volatile. 

Local advocates and civil rights organizations have criticized the federal operation, stating that aggressive enforcement tactics escalate tensions and risk community safety. Several city council members reiterated their opposition to cooperation with ICE and similar agencies without clear oversight. 

Ongoing Investigation

The FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension have both announced formal investigations into the shooting to determine whether the use of force was justified and consistent with legal standards. Local police are also assisting with gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.

Officials emphasized that the investigation is active, and additional details will be released as they become available. No formal findings have been made public as of the latest update. 

As federal enforcement operations continue, community leaders and residents alike are watching closely for further developments and official statements from law enforcement agencies and elected officials.