On January 15, 2026, a federal immigration agent shot a Venezuelan man in the leg during a traffic stop in Minneapolis. This incident occurred just over a week after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good, an American citizen, leading to widespread protests against ICE's presence in the city. Following the shooting, demonstrators confronted federal officers, resulting in law enforcement deploying tear gas and other crowd control measures.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that the shooting occurred during a targeted operation when the individual attempted to evade arrest, leading to a confrontation where the officer discharged his weapon in self-defense. Both the injured man and the officer were hospitalized, while two other individuals involved in the incident were apprehended.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the federal response, stating that the deployment of 3,000 federal agents was excessive and inappropriate. He emphasized the need for calm and urged protesters to avoid escalating tensions. Governor Tim Walz echoed these sentiments, condemning the federal government's actions as a campaign of organized brutality against residents and calling for a pause in enforcement activities.

The protests have drawn attention to the broader implications of ICE's operations, particularly in light of the recent fatal shooting of Good, which has intensified scrutiny of the agency's practices. Local leaders have expressed concerns about the infringement of constitutional rights and the impact of aggressive enforcement tactics on immigrant communities.

In response to the unrest, President Trump threatened to deploy U.S. troops to restore order, while DHS officials framed the incident within a narrative of increasing assaults against federal officers. However, critics argue that such rhetoric distracts from the underlying issues of community safety and the need for accountability in federal law enforcement.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions about the implications of ICE's presence in Minneapolis, including its effects on local school attendance and community trust. As protests continue, the call for a reevaluation of immigration enforcement practices grows louder, highlighting the need for a more humane approach to immigration policy.