White House says an anti‑ICE protester allegedly bit off HSI agent's finger in Minneapolis

Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised

WASHINGTON, DC: The White House reshared a post from Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, highlighting graphic photos of a federal law enforcement officer’s severed finger. According to McLaughlin, the injury occurred after an anti‑ICE protester in Minneapolis allegedly bit the officer during a confrontation.

“In Minneapolis, these rioters attacked our law enforcement officer, and one of them bit off our HSI officer’s finger,” McLaughlin wrote, noting that the officer “will lose his finger.” The incident occurred as Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officers encountered resistance from local residents in the city. Officials have not released additional details about the assault.

Tricia McLaughlin shares pictures of two individuals who may be linked to incident

On Saturday, January 24, McLaughlin shared images on her X (formerly Twitter) showing the aftermath of an attack on a federal law enforcement officer. She said that during clashes with anti-ICE demonstrators in Minneapolis, a protester allegedly bit off part of the officer’s finger, and the photos clearly showed exposed flesh. A picture of the severed portion of the agent’s finger in an evidence container was also shared.

Along with the images, McLaughlin posted pictures of two individuals who may be linked to the incident. However, it remains unclear which of them, if any, is responsible for biting the officer’s finger.

The incident drew national attention, and even President Donald Trump reposted the graphic images on his Truth Social account with the same caption.

Border Patrol agent fatally shoots a nurse in Minneapolis

Chaos unfolded in Minneapolis on Saturday when a Border Patrol agent shot and killed a 37-year-old man who allegedly approached officers while carrying a 9 mm pistol and resisted attempts to disarm him. The incident occurred amid a large crowd of agitators, escalating tensions in the area.

The man who died was later identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a Minneapolis resident and member of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). Video footage from the scene captured the confrontation, though questions remain about the exact sequence of events leading up to the shooting. 

Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino described the situation as extremely dangerous, saying the individual “wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.” 

He added that around 200 rioters arrived shortly after and attacked officers. Bovino criticized local leadership, stating that Mayor Jacob Frey and Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara “omitted the fact that the suspect had a gun and magazines full of ammunition,” and stressed that interfering with law enforcement is illegal and will result in arrests.