Third Fatal Minneapolis Shooting by Federal Immigration Agents Sparks Fury From Governor Walz

Federal agents fatally shot a man in south Minneapolis on Saturday morning, marking the third deadly encounter involving federal immigration enforcement officers in the city within just over two weeks, according to multiple reports. The incident has ignited fierce condemnation from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who called the operation 'sickening' and demanded the Trump administration withdraw thousands of federal officers from the state.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed that the victim died following the shooting near Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street, in the city's Eat Street neighbourhood. The confrontation occurred around 9:00 outside Glam Doll Donuts, where approximately half a dozen federal agents were seen struggling with a man on the pavement before gunfire erupted, as seen in the video footage posted on social media.

Armed Suspect Prompted Deadly Response

The third fatal shooting in Minneapolis occurred after the man brandished a Sig Sauer Emperor Scorpion handgun equipped with two magazines. A 39‑second video clip captured officers scattering as gunfire erupted during the struggle. At the time of the encounter, more than 100 protesters had gathered in the area.

A US official with knowledge of the incident identified the agents as Customs and Border Protection officers. The shooting came one day after tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through downtown Minneapolis to protest ICE's presence, with organisers estimating approximately 50,000 attendees. Chemical irritants were deployed as outraged crowds gathered at the scene, some carrying signs, whilst at least one person displayed an American flag hung upside down in a signal of extreme distress.

Governor Demands Federal Withdrawal

'I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening,' Walz wrote on X. 'The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now.'

Senator Amy Klobuchar echoed the governor's demands, stating on social media: 'There has been another shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis and I am working to get more information. I will update as soon as possible. To the Trump administration and the Republicans in Congress who have stood silent: Get ICE out of our state NOW.'

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey scheduled a news conference for 11:30, with a city release stating he is 'demanding that ICE leave the city and state immediately'. City officials urged residents to stay calm and avoid the area whilst confirming additional details.

Pattern of Deadly Force Raises Concerns

Saturday's fatal shooting marks the third incident involving federal agents in Minneapolis since 7 January, when 37-year-old Renee Good, a US citizen and mother of three, was fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. That killing sparked national protests and multiple investigations after video footage appeared to contradict federal officials' claims that Good had attempted to run over the officer.

A second shooting occurred on Wednesday when the Department of Homeland Security stated a federal law enforcement officer shot a person who had allegedly fled a traffic stop and attacked officers.

The Trump administration launched what it described as the largest immigration enforcement operation ever on 6 January, deploying approximately 2,000 federal agents to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. Neither the White House nor the Department of Homeland Security immediately responded to requests for comment.

Rising Tensions and Community Impact

The escalating confrontations have profoundly affected the Twin Cities. Hundreds of Minneapolis businesses closed on Friday in support of protests against ICE operations, with large crowds filling downtown streets despite sub-zero temperatures.

The repeated use of deadly force has drawn comparisons to the 2020 killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. Good's south Minneapolis home was located less than a mile from where Floyd was killed.

Following Good's death, policing experts questioned use-of-force protocols. 'If you are an officer who views this woman as a threat, you don't have one hand on a mobile phone. You don't walk around this supposed weapon, casually filming,' said John P Gross, a professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School.

The ongoing tensions have prompted state legislators nationwide to consider measures limiting cooperation with ICE operations.