A woman shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning has died, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed.
In a statement, Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said ICE officers were blocked by a vehicle and that people involved allegedly tried to run agents over. She described the incident as “an act of domestic terrorism.”
According to DHS, an ICE officer opened fire during the confrontation, killing the woman. Officials said no ICE agents were seriously injured.
The shooting quickly drew a large crowd of protesters and a heavy law enforcement presence near Portland Avenue and 34th Street, in Minneapolis’ Central neighborhood.
Several city officials and Minneapolis Police Department officers were seen at the scene as authorities worked to manage the growing crowd.
Minneapolis City Council Vice President Jamal Osman told KSTP that the woman who was killed was a civilian and was shot while inside a vehicle. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said his office is being briefed on the situation.
City officials and police were seen attempting to clear the area as tensions rose.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey sharply criticized ICE’s presence in the city, saying the agents were creating “chaos” and calling for them to leave immediately.
“We stand rock solid with our immigrant and refugee communities,” Frey said.
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith also urged ICE to leave Minnesota, saying it was necessary “for everyone’s safety.”
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office said it was not involved in the shooting but has sent deputies to assist investigators if needed.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said her office is pushing for state and local authorities to review the incident.
“We will use every available lever to ensure a local, transparent investigation takes place,” Moriarty said.
