Minnesota governor says he is preparing National Guard amid furor over fatal ICE shooting
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has taken action following the fatal shooting of a woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis. The incident occurred during an operation in which the woman was shot in her car. Governor Walz has ordered the preparation of the state’s National Guard while calling for peaceful protests in response to the tragedy.
The governor, along with Minneapolis Mayor, has expressed concerns about the circumstances leading up to the shooting and disputed the government’s claims. Governor Walz described the shooting as “preventable” and “unnecessary,” emphasizing the need for peaceful resistance.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the woman was allegedly attempting to run over law enforcement officers when the ICE agent fired the fatal shots. This led to a large gathering of protesters in the area, reminiscent of the protests following the death of George Floyd in 2020.
In response to the escalating situation, Governor Walz issued a “warning order” to prepare the Minnesota National Guard for possible deployment. He urged protesters to express their grievances peacefully and emphasized the importance of safety during demonstrations.
President Donald Trump defended the ICE officer’s actions, stating that the shooting was in self-defense. However, Minneapolis Mayor Frey refuted this claim, stating that the agent’s actions were reckless and resulted in the unnecessary death of the victim.
Video footage and photos from the scene showed law enforcement using crowd control measures, including tear gas and pepper spray, on some protesters. President Trump’s remarks on social media further fueled tensions, with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem labeling the incident as an “act of domestic terrorism.”
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, in collaboration with the FBI, is conducting an investigation into the shooting to determine accountability and justice. Governor Walz emphasized the importance of a thorough and expeditious investigation to provide clarity on the events leading to the tragic incident.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Twin Cities are witnessing a significant deployment of ICE and Homeland Security Investigations agents for immigration enforcement and fraud investigations. The Trump administration’s focus on fraud allegations at Somali-run childcare centers has added to the complexity of the situation.
In the wake of the shooting, calls for transparency and accountability have intensified, with lawmakers seeking to subpoena DHS for all relevant documents and footage related to the incident. The House Oversight Committee has been urged to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure full accountability for the actions taken.
This evolving story underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and a commitment to justice as the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident. Updates on the investigation and developments in the case are expected as authorities work to address the concerns raised by the shooting.
