Democratic leaders across Minnesota have called for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to leave Minneapolis after a federal immigration officer shot and killed a 37-year-old woman during an enforcement operation on Wednesday. The incident, captured on video, has sparked outrage and renewed criticism of the Trump administration's decision to deploy additional ICE agents to the state.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey rejected the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) account that the woman had weaponised her vehicle and attempted to run over officers. 'Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly, that is bullshit,' Frey said at a news conference, accusing the agent of recklessly using lethal force.
Governor Tim Walz also dismissed the DHS's version of events, calling it propaganda, and activated the Minnesota National Guard. 'We've been warning for weeks that the Trump administration's dangerous, sensationalised operations are a threat to our public safety,' Walz said, urging residents to protest peacefully.
Attorney General Keith Ellison blamed the violence on President Trump's decision to send armed ICE agents to Minnesota, warning that it was causing 'serious harm and spreading terror'. Senator Tina Smith described the situation as 'volatile' and demanded ICE leave immediately for everyone's safety.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the shooting, stating that ICE is endangering communities and must leave the state. Democratic representatives echoed the calls, urging an independent inquiry and a halt to ICE operations to allow local authorities to restore order.
