A federal agent shot and killed a 37-year-old white woman during a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on Wednesday, sparking immediate protests and outrage. The Guardian was present, shadowing trained observers who have been monitoring ICE activity in the state.
ICE vehicles lined the street, and yellow police tape cordoned off the area after the shooting. Dozens of protesters gathered on the snowy street, shouting at ICE agents and local police, demanding the arrest of the agent who fired the fatal shot. One woman yelled, “What were you taught by your parents?” while a man with a bullhorn led chants of “Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the operation in a press conference, stating, “To ICE, get the fuck out of Minneapolis. We do not want you here. Your stated reason for being in this city is to create some kind of safety and you are doing exactly the opposite. People are being hurt.” He added that families were being torn apart and long-term residents terrorised.
Wednesday marked the second day of a planned 30-day surge, which ICE has described as its largest operation to date. Trained observers canvassed nearby houses for video footage, while reports emerged of ICE activity at a local school. City council members, Mayor Frey, and Police Chief Brian O’Hara all visited the scene.
As ICE agents departed, bystanders threw snowballs at their vehicles, prompting agents to spray irritants and fire pellets. Volunteer medics later treated those affected. Observers then heard whistles indicating ICE had moved to another part of south Minneapolis, and dozens of people followed. The investigation is being led jointly by the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
