Venezuelan national smiled and gave thumbs up after attacking ICE agent with a shovel in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: An ICE officer in Minneapolis shot a Venezuelan national on Wednesday, January 14, after the suspect and two others allegedly ambushed him with shovels during a traffic stop.
Following his arrest, the suspect reportedly showed a total lack of remorse. Sources said he was seen smiling and giving a thumbs-up while being transported on a stretcher.
BREAKING: Venezuelan Migrant shot by ICE Agent after attempting to hit the agent with a Shovel.pic.twitter.com/btQ7y2iYQQ
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) January 15, 2026
Venezuelan national smiles on stretcher
The suspect, who was shot in the leg during the struggle, appeared unfazed in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
According to Fox News, a photograph shows the man smiling and giving a thumbs-up as he was taken into custody.
The confrontation stemmed from what the DHS described as a targeted stop of an individual who entered the country under specific policies.
“At 6:50 PM CT, federal law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted traffic stop in Minneapolis of an illegal alien from Venezuela who was released into the country by Joe Biden in 2022," the DHS said.
The encounter quickly turned physical when the suspect tried to run. “The law enforcement officer caught up to the subject on foot and attempted to apprehend him when the subject began to resist and violently assault the officer,” DHS added.
At 6:50 PM CT, federal law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted traffic stop in Minneapolis of an illegal alien from Venezuela who was released into the country by Joe Biden in 2022.
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 15, 2026
In an attempt to evade arrest, the subject fled the scene in his vehicle and crashed…
DHS says ICE agent fired as he was being ambushed by three individuals
Authorities said the situation became life-threatening when two additional individuals joined the assault.
“While the subject and law enforcement were in a struggle on the ground, two subjects came out of a nearby apartment and also attacked the law enforcement officer with a snow shovel and broom handle,” DHS stated.
The original suspect then reportedly rejoined the attack after getting back on his feet.
“Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired a defensive shot,” DHS said. “The initial subject was struck in the leg.”
DHS blames local leaders for anti-ICE rhetoric
The Department of Homeland Security blamed the incident on what it described as an increasingly hostile political climate toward federal law enforcement in Minnesota.
Officials argued that resistance from state and city leaders has made ICE agents targets for violence.
“This attack on another brave member of law enforcement took place while Minnesota’s top leaders, Governor Walz and Mayor Frey, are actively encouraging an organized resistance to ICE and federal law enforcement officers," the DHS said.
The department warned that assaults against federal officers have surged nationwide.
“Their hateful rhetoric and resistance against men and women who are simply trying to do their jobs must end. Federal law enforcement officers are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest criminals and lawbreakers,” DHS added.
