ICE Shooting in Minneapolis Sparks Protests

On January 24, a shooting occurred in Minneapolis in which an officer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shot and killed a man. This incident led to new clashes between activists and authorities.

Videos circulated on social media showing several ICE officers engaging in a physical struggle with the man and attempting to force him onto the sidewalk. Shots were then fired. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security explained that the agent used a firearm after an «armed struggle».

According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O«Hara, the deceased was a 37-year-old U.S. citizen. Preliminary information indicates that he had an official permit to carry a weapon.

The area of the shooting was immediately cordoned off. Approximately 100 protesters gathered nearby, chanting slogans against ICE. During the confrontation, law enforcement used flashbang grenades, after which demonstrators began to disperse.

The day before, on January 23, hundreds of businesses in Minneapolis closed in protest against the tightening of immigration policies in the state. The action was supported by the Minneapolis City Council.

Protesters put forward the following demands:

• withdrawal of all ICE agents from Minnesota;
• accountability for the ICE officer who shot activist Renee Good;
• cessation of federal funding for the agency;
• investigation into ICE«s activities for human rights violations.

Tensions in the city have persisted since early January when on the 7th, an immigration officer shot and killed 36-year-old activist Renee Good. That death also sparked mass protests in Minneapolis.