Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has launched a scathing attack on federal immigration authorities, accusing them of creating dangerous chaos after a second individual was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in the city.
Chaotic Scene as Protests Turn Violent
The incident unfolded on Thursday 15 January 2026 amid turbulent protests. According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security, an ICE agent opened fire, striking a Venezuelan migrant in the leg. The agent allegedly acted in self-defence, fearing for his life after being attacked with a snow shovel and a broom handle.
Authorities deployed flashbang grenades and tear gas in an effort to disperse the crowd that had gathered at the scene following the shooting. The situation highlighted the intense and volatile atmosphere surrounding immigration enforcement actions in the area.
Mayor Frey's Forceful Condemnation
Mayor Jacob Frey did not mince words in his response, sharply criticising the role of ICE. He stated that the federal agency was "creating chaos" in his city and urged protesters to return to their homes.
In a pointed political remark, Frey argued that it was counterproductive to respond to "Donald Trump’s chaos with our own chaos." His comments directly linked the local unrest to the broader, divisive national rhetoric often associated with the former president.
Aftermath and Ongoing Tensions
The injured man is reported to be in a stable condition in hospital. The ICE agent involved also received medical treatment following the altercation. Two alleged assailants were arrested in connection with the attack on the agent.
This event marks the second such shooting involving ICE agents in Minneapolis, raising serious questions about the conduct of federal operations in urban communities and the escalating tensions between local leadership and national immigration authorities. The mayor's stark language underscores the deep political fractures surrounding immigration policy and its enforcement.
