Screen grab source: X/@nicksortor A US federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot a Venezuelan man in the leg Wednesday night during a targeted enforcement operation in north Minneapolis. The man, described by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an “illegal alien,” was hospitalized but is expected to recover, CBS news reported. The ICE officer, who was assaulted during the arrest attempt, was also taken to a hospital, though the nature of the injuries has not been confirmed.The shooting reportedly occurred around 7 pm local time near North Sixth Street and North 24th Avenue, during a traffic stop. DHS officials said the Venezuelan national initially fled in a vehicle, crashed into a parked car, and then ran on foot. When the officer attempted to arrest him, the man resisted and assaulted the officer. Two other individuals emerged from a nearby apartment and attacked the officer with a snow shovel and broom handle. Reportedly, fearing for his life, the officer fired a defensive shot, hitting the man in the leg. All four individuals later barricaded themselves inside a residence, which was breached by a specialized ICE tactical team, and were taken into custody.City officials in Minneapolis urged residents to “remain calm” following the shooting, which comes a week after agents killed an American woman in the same city. “We understand there is anger,” the officials wrote on X, adding, “the City of Minneapolis again demands that ICE leave the city and the state immediately”, AFP reported.Department of Homeland Security confirmed the incident in a post on X, saying “an illegal alien from Venezuela” was targeted for a traffic stop and resisted arrest. “While the subject and law enforcement were in a struggle on the ground, two subjects came out of a nearby apartment and also attacked the law enforcement officer with a snow shovel and broom handle,” DHS said. The officer then “fired a defensive shot to defend his life,” hitting the initial subject in the leg.The shooting incident comes a week after an ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot 37-year-old American woman Renee Nicole Good in south Minneapolis, sparking nationwide outrage. Good was seated in her SUV when she was shot on January 7. Federal officials claimed the agent acted in self-defense, alleging that Good tried to run him over. However, eyewitnesses, journalists, local officials, and video footage contradicted that account, suggesting Good was attempting to drive away from the officer when she was killed. The shooting prompted widespread protests and criticism of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement strategy.Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned ICE operations in a primetime address, describing door-to-door raids by “armed, masked, undertrained” agents as chaotic and traumatizing for communities of color. He urged residents to record federal officers’ actions to preserve evidence for future prosecution. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara held a late-night briefing urging calm as hundreds of demonstrators clashed with law enforcement.Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche blamed state and city leaders for inciting violence, calling the unrest a “Minnesota insurrection” and accusing Walz and Frey of encouraging attacks on law enforcement.According to CBS News, the shooting was reportedly part of “Operation Metro Surge,” described by federal officials as the largest DHS deployment in history, with roughly 3,000 immigration officers operating or en route to Minnesota.
At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.
Read more on The Times of India
