BREAKING: A woman was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an immigration operation on December 27, 2023. The incident has sparked outrage and conflicting narratives from federal and local officials.
According to federal authorities, the woman allegedly attempted to “ram” her vehicle into law enforcement officers. However, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey vehemently disputed this claim, stating, “Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly that is b—s—.” The shooting occurred as officers were executing targeted operations in a neighborhood not specified by ICE.
Local witnesses, including Aidan Perzana, who observed the incident, described the woman’s actions differently. “She wasn’t trying to run anyone over. There was plenty of space for the vehicle to pass,” he told NBC News. Another video shows the gray pick-up truck reversing before the officer opened fire, raising questions about the justification of the shooting.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed strong disapproval of federal immigration tactics, warning the Trump administration that “we do not need any further help from the federal government.” His remarks come amid escalating tensions between local government and ICE as the agency deploys an unprecedented number of officers—up to 2,100—for enforcement operations in the state.
In an official statement, Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, claimed the woman “weaponized her vehicle” against the officers. This narrative has been met with skepticism from city officials and residents alike.
Following the shooting, protests erupted in the neighborhood, with residents expressing their frustration towards federal agents. “To ICE, get the f— out of Minneapolis,” Mayor Frey declared, emphasizing the community’s stance against federal immigration enforcement.
The deceased woman, described as a “middle-aged white woman,” did not appear to be the target of any law enforcement investigation, according to police reports. Eyewitnesses have stated that the situation was exacerbated by the presence of ICE agents conducting operations in the area, which has been a point of contention in Minneapolis and across the nation.
As tensions rise, many are left wondering about the future of ICE operations in the city. The incident has drawn national attention, highlighting the broader implications of aggressive immigration enforcement.
In a related note, President Donald Trump shared video clips of the incident, labeling the woman’s behavior as “very disorderly” and questioning the officers’ safety. However, local officials have indicated that the shooting raises serious concerns about the use of deadly force, particularly against unarmed individuals.
As the situation develops, local authorities are calling for a thorough investigation into the shooting. The community remains on edge, with many demanding accountability and clearer communication from federal agencies.
Residents are urged to stay informed as more details emerge from this unfolding story. The emotional impact of the event resonates deeply within the Minneapolis community, highlighting the ongoing debate over immigration policies and local law enforcement practices.
