A woman was shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during a federal operation in Minneapolis on Wednesday, sparking sharp disagreement between federal authorities and city leadership over the circumstances surrounding her death.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the incident occurred near the intersection of 34th Street and Portland Avenue during what officials described as a targeted federal law enforcement operation. Federal authorities said the woman attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon against officers, prompting an ICE agent to open fire in what the agency characterized as an act of self-defense.
In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the agent fired his weapon only after determining there was an imminent threat to life.
“An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of fellow law enforcement officers, and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots,” McLaughlin wrote, adding that the agent acted in accordance with his training.
Federal officials labeled the woman a “violent rioter” and said her alleged attempt to ram law enforcement with her vehicle constituted an “act of domestic terrorism.” Authorities did not immediately release the woman’s name but confirmed she was 37 years old.
Mayor Disputes Federal Account
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey forcefully rejected the federal government’s characterization of the shooting, saying he personally reviewed video footage of the incident and does not believe the officer’s actions were justified.
“The claim that this was self-defense does not match what I saw,” Frey said during remarks to reporters. “Somebody is dead, and that responsibility lies with the federal agents involved.”
The mayor called for ICE and other federal agents to leave Minneapolis, accusing them of inflaming tensions and creating disorder rather than improving public safety.
“You are bringing chaos into our city,” Frey said. “Somebody is dead — that’s on you. And it’s also on you to leave.”
City officials said they were not notified in advance of the federal operation and expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of coordination between local authorities and federal law enforcement.
Federal and Local Tensions Escalate
The shooting highlights growing friction between the Trump administration and Democratic-led cities over immigration enforcement and federal law enforcement tactics. Minneapolis officials have repeatedly criticized federal operations carried out without coordination with local agencies, arguing they undermine trust within communities and increase the risk of violence.
Federal authorities, however, maintain that the operation was lawful and necessary, and that the officer involved acted appropriately under rapidly evolving circumstances.
ICE officials have not said whether the agent has been placed on administrative leave, nor have they indicated whether an independent review of the shooting will be conducted. As is standard in officer-involved shootings, multiple agencies are expected to review the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
Details about the woman’s actions leading up to the shooting remain limited, and officials have not released video footage to the public. Federal authorities said additional information will be shared once the investigation progresses.
Local activists and civil rights groups have already begun calling for transparency, demanding the release of all body camera footage and surveillance video related to the incident. Some groups also announced plans for protests, citing concerns about the expanding role of federal law enforcement in the city.
Developing Story
As of Wednesday evening, investigators continued to examine evidence and interview witnesses. Both federal and local officials acknowledged that more facts are needed before a full picture of the incident can be established.
“This is a developing situation,” a DHS spokesperson said. “We are committed to a thorough review of the incident.”
Authorities urged the public to remain calm as the investigation continues.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
