US Immigration Agent Fatally Shoots Woman in Minneapolis

A US immigration agent fatally shot a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis, triggering protests and a sharp dispute between local officials and the Trump administration over what led to her death.

The Department of Homeland Security said the woman, identified as Renee Nicole Good, attempted to run over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Officials described the shooting as an act of self-defence.

However, Minneapolis leaders strongly rejected that account.

City Officials Reject Federal Version

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the shooting resulted from reckless use of force. Speaking at a press conference, he accused ICE of escalating tensions and told federal agents to leave the city.

“This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying,” Frey said.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that the woman was seated in her vehicle, which blocked a roadway on Portland Avenue, when a federal officer approached her on foot. He said she then began to drive away.

Videos Show Moments Before Shooting

Videos shared on social media appear to capture the moments before the shooting, which occurred around 10:25 a.m. local time on Wednesday.

Footage shows a maroon SUV stopped on a residential street, with protesters nearby. Federal agents approach the vehicle and order the driver to exit. One agent pulls at the door handle, while another positions himself near the front of the SUV.

As the vehicle attempts to drive off, an agent opens fire. Three shots are audible before the SUV veers off and crashes into a parked car.

It remains unclear from the footage whether the agent was struck by the vehicle.

Trump, DHS Defend Agent’s Actions

On Truth Social, President Donald Trump said an ICE officer was “viciously” run over and survived with injuries. He blamed the “Radical Left” for what he described as growing attacks on law enforcement.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the woman had followed and impeded officers throughout the day. She alleged that the woman tried to “weaponise her vehicle” and described the incident as an act of domestic terrorism.

Noem said the agent fired “defensive shots” and later received medical treatment before being discharged. She added that the Federal Bureau of Investigation will investigate the incident.

Witnesses, State Leaders Dispute Claims

Witnesses disputed the federal account. Emily Heller, who spoke to CNN, said an agent stepped in front of the vehicle and shot the driver through the windshield as she attempted to reverse and leave.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also criticised federal statements. “Don’t believe this propaganda machine,” he wrote, calling for a full and independent investigation.

Democratic leaders, including former Vice-President Kamala Harris and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, condemned the shooting. Harris described the administration’s narrative as “gaslighting.”

Protests Spread Across Cities

Following the shooting, protests erupted across Minneapolis. Demonstrators gathered near the scene and called for ICE to leave the city.

The shooting occurred about one mile from where George Floyd was killed in 2020, an event that sparked global protests against police violence.

Additional demonstrations were reported in New Orleans, Miami, Seattle and New York City.

Minneapolis Public Schools cancelled classes for the rest of the week, citing safety concerns. The decision followed reports that federal agents made arrests outside a local high school.

Why ICE Is in Minneapolis

The Trump administration recently deployed an additional 2,000 federal agents to Minneapolis as part of a nationwide immigration crackdown. Officials cited alleged welfare fraud and immigration violations as justification.

Mayor Frey said the deployment has increased fear rather than safety. He accused ICE of tearing families apart and destabilising communities.

The enforcement campaign follows earlier ICE operations targeting individuals with deportation orders, including members of Minneapolis’ Somali community, which Trump has repeatedly criticised.

Investigation Ongoing

As investigations proceed, tensions remain high between federal authorities and Minnesota officials. The case has reignited national debate over immigration enforcement, use of force and federal authority in US cities.

Authorities say further details will emerge once investigations are complete.