An ICE agent was involved in a recent shooting incident, marking the second such occurrence within a fortnight after the tragic death of Renee Good, sparking unrest in Minneapolis as demonstrators flooded the streets.
The largest city in Minnesota spiraled into chaos last night following an ICE officer shooting a man in the leg, escalating tensions in a region already charged with anger over the killing of American citizen Renee Good, who was fatally shot by officer Jonathon Ross on January 7 as she attempted to drive away.
City officials have urged for calm and reiterated their demand for the organization to vacate both the city and the state immediately, as images depict clashes erupting on the streets.
In a statement with political undertones invoking Joe Biden, the Department of Homeland Security stated that the victim was a Venezuelan migrant who allegedly attempted to assault an ICE officer.
According to a department spokesperson, the altercation unfolded around 6:50 pm CT (12:50 am GMT) during a targeted traffic stop of an undocumented individual from Venezuela, purportedly released into the country by Joe Biden. The department alleged that the individual tried to flee, resulting in a car crash followed by a brief attempt to escape on foot.
The immigrant in question reportedly resisted and attacked the officer when confronted, with two others joining in the assault using a snow shovel and broom handle, as per the statement.
Subsequently, in defense, the officer discharged his firearm after the individual broke free and began attacking with a shovel or broom handle. The DHS claimed the agent acted in self-defense, stating that he fired shots to protect his life. Both the officer and the individual are currently hospitalized.
The City of Minneapolis confirmed that the injured man was promptly taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, reiterating their demand for ICE to depart the city and state immediately.
In response, the DHS criticized the public for resisting ICE, alleging an increase in incidents where ICE agents have faced confrontations from American citizens while carrying out their duties.
Currently, the state of Minnesota is witnessing a significant presence of around 3,000 ICE agents, deployed following the recent tragedy involving Renee Good. The deployment has been met with criticism, with Mayor Jacob Frey accusing the organization of instigating disorder and Governor Tim Walz referring to it as an “occupation.”