Lindsey Graham backs ICE agent, says Minneapolis shooting could've been prevented by 'complying'

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Republican Sen Lindsey Graham reacted to the fatal shooting of a woman by ICE officers in Minneapolis, saying that the shooting “could have easily been prevented,” arguing that the woman’s failure to comply with lawful commands led directly to the deadly encounter.

Graham’s remarks, posted on X after he viewed video footage of the incident with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, come as protests erupt across Minneapolis.

Lindsey Graham defends ICE after reviewing shooting footage

Graham said he was in the Oval Office with President Trump, Sen Katie Britt and Sen Eric Schmitt when they reviewed footage of the incident multiple times.

“I was in the Oval Office this afternoon when we viewed the footage of the assault on the ICE officer and the eventual defensive shooting of the woman who tried to run him over,” Graham wrote.

He added that the officer who was struck by the vehicle is “recovering in the hospital.”

“This could have easily been prevented by complying with the officer’s command,” Graham said.

“If an officer lawfully asks you to exit a vehicle but you do not comply and then strike that officer with a vehicle, you may get shot.”

“The takeaway for me is simple,” he continued. “If you try to run over a law enforcement officer with your vehicle, it is at your own peril.”

Graham also defended ICE agents operating in Minneapolis, saying, “The level of violence and animosity toward ICE agents is unparalleled. In Minneapolis and elsewhere, they risk their lives to protect the rest of us.”

“Every law enforcement officer has the right to protect themselves when someone tries to run them over, not only for the benefit of the officer, but for anyone who could be in harm’s way”, Graham added.

Earlier, Donald Trump also defended the ICE agent, saying the Minneapolis woman behaved "violently", claiming she was disorderly and resisted ICE agents as they attempted to open her car door.

Fatal ICE operation sparks protests

The shooting occurred during an ICE operation in Minneapolis that quickly descended into chaos, according to federal officials.

The Department of Homeland Security said ICE vehicles were blocked by rioters and that one driver allegedly attempted to “weaponize her vehicle” against law enforcement.

The woman was shot and killed during the encounter, triggering protests and rallies across the city.

Demonstrators gathered in multiple locations, demanding accountability and condemning the federal government’s presence in local neighborhoods.

Local officials have raised questions about the use of force, while federal authorities maintain the shooting was defensive.