Minneapolis was plunged into a night of violent turmoil and protest following a shooting incident involving an officer from the controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. This marks the second major incident in the city in a matter of days, reigniting public fury over the agency's tactics.
Another Shooting Sparks Immediate Outrage
The latest flashpoint occurred at around 7pm local time on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. According to a statement from the US Department of Homeland Security, a federal officer shot a man in the leg following a car chase. The DHS claimed the pursuit was an operation to capture an "illegal alien from Venezuela."
The agency's narrative states that the pursued individual crashed his vehicle and then allegedly attempted to flee on foot. Two people emerged from a nearby apartment to assist the man. The DHS alleges that its officer was then "being ambushed and attacked by the two individuals," prompting the agent to draw his firearm and shoot one of them in the leg.
The City of Minneapolis confirmed a man was hospitalised with non-life threatening injuries. The ICE agent involved was also taken to hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries.
Political Condemnation and Escalating Tensions
The shooting has drawn sharp criticism from local leaders. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed the FBI is leading the investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey launched a direct attack on ICE, accusing the federal immigration office of "creating chaos" across the state of Minnesota.
This incident comes less than a week after the death of Renee Good, a mother-of-three, who was killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. That earlier shooting, which occurred after a routine school drop-off, had already ignited widespread protests. The Trump administration's subsequent characterisation of Good as a "domestic terrorist" further inflamed public sentiment.
The federal government's significant presence is a key factor in the escalating tensions. The White House has deployed approximately 3,000 ICE officers to Minneapolis in recent weeks, a move that many residents and officials view as provocative.
A City on Edge: Protests Turn Confrontational
Enraged by the latest shooting, locals gathered in force to protest against ICE's presence and actions. The demonstrations quickly escalated into fierce clashes with law enforcement.
Shocking images from the night depict:
- Federal agents in tactical gear deploying tear gas and pepper balls at crowds of protesters.
- Demonstrators using umbrellas to shield themselves from sparks emitted by flash bang grenades.
- Individuals kicking away smoking tear gas canisters.
- Lines of state troopers and federal agents blocking streets to contain the unrest.
Amid the chaos, poignant moments of solidarity were also captured, including emotional embraces between protesters as the city grapples with renewed trauma. Signs carried by demonstrators bore messages like "Nobody is illegal on stolen land," highlighting the broader political and social grievances at play.
As Minneapolis enters another period of investigation and reckoning, the deep divisions between federal immigration authorities and the communities they police are laid painfully bare, promising further debate over security, liberty, and the use of force.
