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An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot a man in the leg in Minneapolis on Wednesday, intensifying tensions in the Minnesota city just days after an ICE agent fatally shot a woman during an enforcement operation.
The Department of Homeland Security said federal officers began pursuing the man after a targeted traffic stop, alleging he was in the United States illegally after arriving from Venezuela. According to DHS, the pursuit ended when the man exited his vehicle and became involved in a physical altercation with an ICE officer.
Minneapolis officials confirmed that a man was shot and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. DHS said the ICE officer was also hospitalised for treatment of injuries sustained during the confrontation. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said the FBI is investigating the shooting.
In a statement, DHS claimed two additional individuals emerged from a nearby apartment building and attacked the officer during the struggle. "Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired defensive shots," the department said, adding that the alleged attackers are now in custody.
City leaders urged calm as protesters quickly gathered at the scene, condemning federal immigration raids. "We understand there is anger. We ask the public to remain calm," Minneapolis officials said on X, again calling for ICE to leave the city and the state.
The incident comes one week after 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was shot dead by an ICE agent during a separate encounter in Minneapolis. Federal officials said Good attempted to run over agents with her car, a claim disputed by Mayor Jacob Frey, who accused ICE of acting recklessly.
Video footage from that earlier incident shows agents surrounding a vehicle stopped in the middle of the street before gunshots are heard as the car moves forward. The FBI is also investigating that case.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has criticised the heavy federal presence, urging President Donald Trump to end what he described as an "occupation" of ICE officers in the state. DHS has said the Minnesota operation is its largest to date, with more than 2,400 arrests since late November.
