ICE Agents Shoot Protester
ICE Agents shoot protester, severing part of her hand in Minneapolis clash Ickedmel youtube post screengrab

ICE agents have shot a protester with non-lethal ammunition, severing part of her hand, in the latest clash amid ongoing protests in Minneapolis. The incident occurred during demonstrations against immigration enforcement following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, by federal agents on 24 January.

As tensions escalate, President Trump has sent border czar Tom Homan to oversee operations, raising questions about the use of force policies.

The Clash and Injury

On 25 January, during a protest outside a federal building, an ICE agent fired a less-than-lethal round at a female protester, resulting in severe injury to her hand. According to activist groups, the ammunition blew off a piece of her hand, requiring immediate medical attention. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with protesters chanting against ICE and agents forming a line to control the crowd.

Federal authorities state the protester was advancing aggressively, justifying the use of non-lethal force to maintain safety. This event comes hard on the heels of Pretti's killing, where videos contradict official claims that he was armed. Protesters have been hit with tear gas, pepper balls, and other non-lethal weapons in recent days, leading to welts, watery eyes, temporary blindness.

Advocacy groups are calling for an independent investigation, arguing that non-lethal weapons are being used punitively rather than defensively. Similar cases include a protester blinded by a less-than-lethal round in Orange County.

Tom Homan's Arrival and Policy on Force

President Trump has dispatched Tom Homan, his border czar, to Minneapolis to take charge of ICE operations amid the backlash. Homan, known for his hardline stance on immigration, is expected to review and direct enforcement activities. In recent interviews, Homan has defended ICE's tactics, stating he hasn't seen agents act in a way that's outside of policy.

He described aggressive actions as self-defence in discussions about tactics used by ICE. Critics question if directives under Homan encourage broader use of non-lethal weapons against protesters. The deployment of Homan may signal a shift, with some sources suggesting it's to de-escalate by replacing local leadership. However, activists fear it could lead to more confrontations, given Homan's past advocacy for tough enforcement.

Non-lethal munitions, like the one used in the hand-severing incident, are standard in crowd control but their application is under scrutiny. Homan's arrival is hardly a surprise, given the national attention on Minnesota's immigration crackdown.

Reactions and Broader Context

Community leaders in Minneapolis have expressed outrage, with protests continuing into Monday. Democracy Now! reported defiant residents demanding accountability for Pretti's death and the recent injuries. On social media, a verified Instagram account from Really American highlighted the hand incident, asking 'when will this carnage end?'

Legal experts warn that forceful entries and use of force could increase risks for all. The incidents raise questions about transparency, as bystander videos often contradict official narratives. Protests have spread beyond Minnesota, with Montanans turning out en masse to oppose ICE and Trump's immigration policies.

As of 27 January 2026, investigations into both the fatal shooting and the non-lethal incident are ongoing, with federal officials promising thorough reviews. Homan is set to arrive soon, potentially altering the dynamics of the ICE protester non-lethal shooting confrontations. The events underscore the deep divisions over immigration policy in the US.

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