MINNEAPOLIS — A 37-year-old woman was shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on January 6, 2026, during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, according to authorities.
The incident occurred in a residential area of south Minneapolis as part of a large-scale immigration crackdown carried out by federal agents. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security stated that the woman was inside her vehicle and allegedly attempted to drive toward law enforcement officers, prompting an ICE agent to open fire. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Local officials have strongly disputed the federal government’s account of events. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized ICE’s actions, calling the use of deadly force unjustified and irresponsible. He publicly rejected claims of self-defense and demanded that federal immigration agents leave the city, arguing that their presence has endangered residents and damaged community trust.
Videos shared on social media and accounts from witnesses have fueled public skepticism, with many questioning whether the woman posed an immediate threat. The footage has intensified calls for transparency and accountability from federal authorities.
The shooting has sparked protests across Minneapolis, with immigrant rights groups and civil rights advocates condemning the operation and the use of lethal force. Community leaders say the incident highlights ongoing concerns about aggressive immigration enforcement tactics and their impact on vulnerable communities.
State and federal agencies, including the FBI and Minnesota authorities, have launched investigations into the shooting. Officials say the inquiry will determine whether the use of force complied with federal policy and the law.
The case has reignited a national debate over immigration enforcement, federal authority, and the use of force in local communities.
