ICE agents fire on suspect in Minnesota after alleged shovel attack during arrest operation: Report

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Federal immigration agents opened fire during an arrest operation in Minneapolis on Wednesday, January 14, after an officer was allegedly “attacked with a shovel,” according to multiple reports.

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer discharged a weapon during the encounter, which unfolded in North Minneapolis as agents attempted to take a suspect into custody. The incident comes as tensions remain high following the fatal shooting of a local mother during an ICE-related protest just days earlier.

City officials acknowledged the reports of the Wednesday shooting but stopped short of offering specifics.

“We are aware of reports of a shooting involving federal law enforcement in North Minneapolis,” the City of Minneapolis said in a statement posted to X on Wednesday. “We are working to confirm additional details.”

However, three officials reportedly told CBS News the individual who was shot was a Venezuelan migrant who allegedly tried to attack agents during the operation. Initial reports indicate the suspect was shot in the leg, is in stable condition, and is now in custody.

At least one ambulance was seen leaving the area as crowds gathered nearby and local authorities moved in alongside federal agents.

Heavy ICE presence and rising tensions

The shooting occurred amid an aggressive federal enforcement push in Minneapolis. More than 2,000 ICE agents have reportedly descended on the city as the Trump administration ramps up deportation efforts, citing concerns over rampant fraud within the local Somali community.

That expanded presence has clashed with protests over the death of Renee Nicole Good last week at the hands of an ICE agent. Since then, Minnesota has seen demonstrations swell, public schools cancel classes, and streets fill with protesters demanding the removal of immigration authorities from the region.

According to ICE officials, confrontations have escalated rapidly.

At least 60 agitators have been charged with impeding or assaulting immigration authorities in Minnesota in the last five days, ICE official Marcos Charles told Fox.

“We will be arresting anybody that interferes or impedes in any of these enforcement actions,” Charles said. “We’ve already arrested 60… that have got in our way, impeded us, or assaulted an officer.”

Death of Renee Nicole Good sparks nationwide protests

Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed last week by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during a protest in Minneapolis.

According to authorities, Good was shot three times in the face after she ignored commands to exit her vehicle, reversed it, and nearly ran over an officer while attempting to flee from the scene.

Some witnesses disputed that narrative, saying Good and her wife, Rebecca, were acting as legal observers and filming the protest at the time.

Surveillance footage later showed Renee apparently blocking the road with her SUV for roughly four minutes before the fatal shooting.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labeled Good’s actions “an act of domestic terrorism” as she publicly defended Ross, describing him as an experienced law enforcement officer who followed his training.

Noem said Ross opened fire after believing Good was attempting to run him or other agents over with her vehicle.

Protests spread coast to coast

Good’s death sparked anti-ICE protests well beyond Minnesota, with demonstrations erupting from New York to Texas to California.

In Austin, Texas, at least five protesters were arrested over the weekend as clashes broke out. In Los Angeles, hundreds of demonstrators flooded downtown streets on Saturday night, prompting police to issue dispersal orders and form skirmish lines outside federal facilities.

Back in Minneapolis, thousands of protesters marched from Powderhorn Park to Lake Street, chanting Good’s name as they moved through immigrant neighborhoods.

Mayor Jacob Frey said most demonstrations in the city had remained peaceful, though he confirmed that 29 people were arrested on Friday, Jan 9, for vandalizing property.