URGENT UPDATE: A woman was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during an immigration-related operation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on December 27, 2023. The incident has ignited a fierce debate over the federal agency’s tactics, with local officials pushing back against the narrative presented by federal authorities.
According to officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the woman allegedly attempted to “weaponize her vehicle” to run over law enforcement officers. However, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey vehemently disputed this claim, stating, “Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly that is b—s—.” This stark contrast in narratives raises serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Eyewitness accounts and video evidence suggest that the woman was not the target of the ICE operation at the time of the incident. Witness Aidan Perzana, who was present, noted, “It didn’t look like the woman was trying to run over an agent. There was plenty of space between the officers for the vehicle to make it through.”
The ICE operation in Minneapolis has ramped up significantly in recent weeks, with reports indicating that approximately 1,400 people have been arrested since early December. As part of what the DHS has termed “the largest operation ever” in Minnesota, over 2,100 officers are now deployed in the area, intensifying local tensions.
Governor Tim Walz has issued a stern warning to the Trump administration, stating, “We do not need any further help from the federal government. To Donald Trump and Kristi Noem: you’ve done enough.” His remarks reflect growing frustration among local leaders regarding ICE’s aggressive tactics and the perceived lack of accountability.
Following the shooting, local law enforcement prioritized getting the victim to a hospital, while also urging ICE to vacate the scene due to escalating tensions. In a heated statement, Mayor Frey told ICE agents to “get the f— out of Minneapolis,” emphasizing the community’s strong opposition to federal intervention.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is left grappling with the implications of federal immigration enforcement in their neighborhoods. Protests erupted soon after the incident, with residents gathering to voice their outrage, and law enforcement responding with pepper spray and tear gas.
In a separate press conference, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that the agents injured during the altercation are expected to recover, although details regarding their injuries were not disclosed.
The shooting has reignited discussions about the use of force in law enforcement, particularly in situations involving unarmed individuals. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara expressed concern, stating, “It’s obviously very concerning whenever there’s a shooting into a vehicle of someone who’s not armed.”
As this situation continues to develop, residents and officials alike are calling for transparency and accountability from federal authorities. The tragic death of this woman has not only drawn national attention but has also intensified the ongoing debate over immigration policies and law enforcement practices across the United States.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
