In a shocking incident that highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, a shooting took place on Wednesday night in north Minneapolis. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were reportedly attacked by individuals wielding shovels during an operation part of what is being referred to as Operation Metro Surge, according to multiple officials speaking to CBS News.
One of the attackers, identified as a Venezuelan migrant, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg but is expected to recover, as confirmed by two sources. The event has drawn significant attention, leading to a large crowd gathering at the scene where confrontations broke out between demonstrators and law enforcement later that evening. This violent episode follows closely on the heels of another tragic incident just a week prior, when ICE officer Jonathan Ross fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good in south Minneapolis.
In response to the shooting, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O'Hara are scheduled to hold a news conference to address the incident and to call for calm among the public, as city officials stated.
The confrontation unfolded around 7 p.m. during a targeted enforcement action by ICE near the intersection of North Sixth Street and North 24th Avenue. Reports indicate that one man, who was allegedly the primary target of the operation and described as an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela, attacked an ICE officer with a shovel, attempting to strike the officer on the head. In defense, an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations agent fired his weapon, hitting the man in the leg.
Following the shooting, the injured individual fled into a nearby residence. Law enforcement later discovered that this home contained three additional targets related to the operation. All four suspects subsequently barricaded themselves inside.
In light of the barricade situation, additional ICE agents were dispatched to the scene. Officers ultimately breached the premises with support from a specialized tactical team. Authorities believe they managed to apprehend all individuals within the house.
Both the injured ICE officer and the Venezuelan man were transported to a hospital for evaluation; however, details regarding their injuries remain unavailable.
According to officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Venezuelan national initially attempted to escape law enforcement in a vehicle but crashed into a parked car before abandoning it and fleeing on foot. DHS released a statement indicating that the officer was assaulted by the man as he resisted arrest. As the two struggled on the ground, they claimed that two other individuals emerged from a nearby apartment and also attacked the officer using a snow shovel and a broom handle.
"Fearing for his life as he was ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired shots to protect himself," the DHS statement explained.
Controversy erupted when Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a statement accusing Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Frey of inciting violence against law enforcement. Blanche stated, "The unrest in Minnesota is a direct consequence of a governor failing in his duties and a mayor encouraging hostility towards police. It’s appalling. I am committed to putting an end to your actions, and this is not merely a threat but a promise."
Interestingly, less than an hour before the shooting incident, Governor Walz delivered a rare primetime address, urging President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to "end the occupation" of Minnesota. He also encouraged residents to document federal agents' actions for potential future legal proceedings.
As this story continues to develop, updates will be provided.
