Federal immigration agents fatally shot a man in Minneapolis on Saturday, marking the second time a civilian has been killed during the controversial operation conducted under the Trump administration, prompting renewed protests and criticism from state officials.
The incident occurred less than three weeks after U.S. citizen Renee Good was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during immigration sweeps targeting undocumented migrants.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed the man who was shot was armed with a pistol, asserting that officers acted in self-defense. However, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz labeled the shooting “horrific” and insisted that the investigation be led by state authorities. “The federal government cannot be trusted to oversee this investigation. The state will handle it, period,” Walz stated at a press conference.
In response, President Donald Trump intensified his language, accusing Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of “inciting insurrection” in reaction to the shooting. Trump has previously threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy troops to Minnesota.
The deceased was identified as a 37-year-old White male U.S. citizen from Minnesota, who reportedly held a gun license, though his name has not been released. Social media footage—later verified by officials—shows several agents, including at least one marked “POLICE,” surrounding a person on the ground and striking him multiple times, with gunshots also heard in the video.
Mayor Frey called on Trump to halt the federal immigration operations, which have led to sometimes violent demonstrations. “This is a moment to reflect leadership. Put Minneapolis and America first—let’s find peace and end this operation,” he urged.
Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the scene following the shooting as “incredibly volatile,” advising residents to stay away from the area. Authorities used tear gas and set up road blockades with dumpsters in a busy south Minneapolis neighborhood known for its restaurants as protest protests escalated.
Local resident Maria, 56, told AFP that tensions in the city are rising. “They’re attacking and terrorizing our communities right now,” she said, describing the situation as “white terror.”
The DHS stated on X (formerly Twitter) that “an individual approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun,” and that officers tried to disarm him. The agency explained that the man “violently resisted,” and fearing for their safety, an agent fired shots, resulting in the man’s immediate death at the scene. Medics administered aid, but he was pronounced dead.
O’Hara added that authorities believed the victim was a legally permitted firearm owner. Minnesota permits open carry of firearms with a permit.
Earlier, Governor Walz said he had spoken with the White House about “another horrific shooting by federal agents.” “Minnesota has had enough. This is sickening,” he said via X. “The President must stop this operation. Remove the thousands of untrained, aggressive officers from Minnesota—now.”
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a Democrat, described the event as “an execution” and accused Trump of turning Minneapolis into a “war zone.” The city has seen escalating protests since January 7, when federal agents shot and killed Renee Good. An autopsy deemed her death a homicide, though this classification does not necessarily imply criminal intent. The officer involved, Jonathan Ross, has not been suspended or charged.
Public outrage intensified this week after agents detained a five-year-old boy while attempting to arrest his father. Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar called on Trump and his team to watch the horrific footage of the shooting, emphasizing that the world is watching.
