Federal and local officials are sharply divided after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot a woman during a federal enforcement operation in Minneapolis on Wednesday, an incident captured on video that has fueled competing interpretations of what occurred.
The shooting took place in a residential neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis during an ICE operation announced on Wednesday.
Videos circulating on social media from multiple angles show federal agents approaching a vehicle stopped across the roadway. As one agent attempts to open the driver’s door, the vehicle reverses and then moves forward. An ICE officer standing in front of the vehicle fires multiple shots at close range as the vehicle advances. The vehicle then crashes into a nearby parked car.
While the video shows the vehicle moving toward the officer, it remains unclear whether the officer was struck.
Federal officials describe self-defense
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the shooting was an act of self-defense, alleging the driver attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the incident as an “act of domestic terrorism,” stating the officer fired to protect himself and others at the scene.
President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post later reposted by DHS, said he reviewed video of the incident and claimed the driver “violently, willfully, and viciously” ran over the ICE officer. Trump noted that the officer was hospitalized and recovering.
Local officials, however, have not independently confirmed that any ICE agent was struck by the vehicle or hospitalized.
City and state leaders dispute federal claims
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey rejected the federal account, calling the shooting reckless and unnecessary. Frey said he reviewed the video and disputed claims that the officer acted in self-defense.
“They are already trying to spin this as an action of self-defense,” Frey said at a news conference. “Having seen the video myself, that is bulls—.”
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz also criticized federal statements about the incident, calling for a full investigation while urging protesters to remain peaceful. Walz said he is prepared to deploy the National Guard if necessary.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, who briefed reporters after the shooting, did not say the driver attempted to harm officers. He said the woman was shot after her vehicle began to move away and later crashed into parked cars.
Investigation underway
Authorities have not released the woman’s name as of the time of publication. Officials said she was not the target of the ICE operation.
The shooting occurred amid a large federal deployment of immigration officers to the Twin Cities, part of a broader enforcement effort announced by DHS earlier this week. The operation has sparked protests and drawn sharp criticism from local and state leaders, while federal officials say officers have faced increasing hostility during enforcement actions nationwide.
Officials said the incident remains under investigation, and no final determination has been made regarding whether the use of force was justified. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office confirmed it has jurisdiction to bring criminal charges pending the outcome of the investigation.
