A federal law enforcement officer shot a man in the leg in Minneapolis after being attacked with a shovel while attempting to make an arrest, according to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the city following the fatal shooting of a woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent last week, which sparked protests that have since spread to other parts of the United States.
In a statement posted on X, DHS said the shooting occurred after a vehicle pursuit involving a Venezuelan national who was allegedly in the country without legal status. The chase ended when the vehicle crashed, after which the driver exited the car and became involved in a physical confrontation with a federal officer.
According to DHS, two additional individuals then emerged from a nearby apartment and joined the altercation, allegedly striking the officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle. During the struggle, the original suspect reportedly broke free and also began hitting the officer with one of the objects.
DHS said the officer, believing his life was in danger while being attacked by three people, fired shots in self-defence. The man was struck in the leg and taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. An ICE officer was also hospitalised for treatment of injuries sustained during the confrontation.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that the FBI is investigating the shooting.
Protests and Public Response
Following the incident, clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcement near the scene. O’Hara said police officers were struck with fireworks, ice and snowballs during the unrest.
City officials urged residents to remain calm. In a statement posted on X, Minneapolis officials acknowledged public anger and called for restraint, while reiterating demands that ICE immediately withdraw from the city and the state.
Mayor Jacob Frey described the situation as “unsustainable,” citing the arrival of additional federal agents in Minneapolis against the wishes of local authorities.
Approximately 3,000 federal officers have been deployed to Minnesota in recent weeks.
Tensions have been particularly high since the fatal shooting on 7 January of Renee Nicole Good, 37, who was killed by an ICE agent during an enforcement operation. Federal officials say the agent acted in self-defence, while local leaders dispute that account, arguing that Good posed no threat.
Video footage shows ICE agents approaching a vehicle stopped in the street. As the driver attempted to move forward, an agent standing in front of the car fired three shots. The FBI is also investigating that incident.
City officials have said Good was acting as a legal observer, a volunteer role that monitors law enforcement activity. The Trump administration has claimed she interfered with federal agents and described the incident as an act of “domestic terrorism.”
Political Fallout
Reacting to reports of the latest shooting, US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said on X that the unrest was the result of failures by Minnesota’s governor and Minneapolis mayor, accusing them of encouraging violence against law enforcement.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz earlier called on President Donald Trump to end what he described as an “occupation” of ICE agents in the state, expressing frustration over the federal presence.
Public fundraising efforts related to the earlier fatal shooting have drawn significant support. An online campaign for Good’s family has raised more than $1.4 million, while a separate fundraiser for the ICE agent involved has collected approximately $740,000.
