MINNEAPOLIS — A Venezuelan immigrant was shot and wounded by a federal immigration officer Wednesday night during an enforcement operation in north Minneapolis, according to authorities. The incident has renewed concerns among residents and local leaders as federal immigration actions draw increasing scrutiny in the city.
Federal officials said the shooting occurred during a traffic stop carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The man, who entered the United States in 2022 and does not have legal immigration status, was the target of the operation, authorities said.
According to officials, the man attempted to flee after officers initiated the stop. A short vehicle pursuit followed, ending when his car collided with another vehicle. He then ran from the scene on foot.
ICE officers say a struggle broke out when they attempted to detain him. During the confrontation, two other individuals reportedly emerged from a nearby residence and became involved. Authorities claim the officer was struck during the encounter, prompting the officer to fire a single shot.
The man was hit in the leg and taken to a local hospital. His injuries were described as serious but not life-threatening. The officer involved was also taken to a hospital for medical evaluation.
The two additional individuals were later taken into custody after federal agents entered the apartment where they had retreated, officials said.
The shooting comes at a tense moment for Minneapolis, where recent federal law enforcement actions have drawn protests and sharp criticism. Earlier this week, a separate ICE operation resulted in the death of a U.S. citizen, intensifying public debate over the use of force by federal immigration officers.
Following Wednesday night’s shooting, residents gathered near the scene, with some expressing fear and frustration over what they describe as increasingly aggressive enforcement tactics. Law enforcement officials responded with a visible presence as crowds formed in the neighborhood.
Mayor Jacob Frey called for calm while acknowledging the emotional toll the incidents have had on the community. City officials have stressed that Minneapolis police were not involved in the shooting, though they are coordinating with federal authorities to maintain public safety.
Federal authorities have not released the names of the officer or the man who was shot. An internal review of the shooting is underway, though officials have not said whether an independent agency will be involved.
Immigrant advocates and civil rights groups are calling for greater transparency and accountability, while federal officials maintain that the officer acted in self-defense under rapidly escalating circumstances.
As investigations continue, the incident adds to ongoing questions about the role of federal immigration enforcement in local communities — and how those actions are affecting trust, safety, and stability in Minneapolis neighborhoods.
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