Incident Unfolds in North Minneapolis
A federal immigration officer shot a man from Venezuela in the leg during a targeted traffic stop in North Minneapolis on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The incident, which occurred around 6:50 p.m. CT in the 600 block of 24th Avenue North, quickly escalated, leading to protests and renewed calls for federal immigration agents to leave the city.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), federal agents were conducting a targeted traffic stop involving a Venezuelan national, whom DHS described as an 'illegal alien.' The man reportedly attempted to evade arrest, fleeing the scene in his vehicle before crashing into a parked car. He then fled on foot.
Agent Assaulted, Defensive Shot Fired
DHS stated that when an officer caught up to the man, he 'began to resist and violently assault the officer.' The situation further intensified when two other individuals emerged from a nearby apartment and allegedly attacked the federal agent with a snow shovel and a broom handle. 'Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals,' the officer fired a 'defensive shot,' striking the Venezuelan man in the leg.
Following the shooting, all three individuals reportedly retreated into the apartment and barricaded themselves inside. Authorities subsequently entered the residence. The man who was shot was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the federal agent involved was also hospitalized. The two other individuals who allegedly attacked the officer were taken into custody.
Community Reaction and Broader Context
The shooting sparked immediate protests at the scene, with demonstrators clashing with federal agents. Reports indicate that protesters threw fireworks, ice, and rocks, while law enforcement responded with tear gas and crowd-control munitions.
This incident comes just one week after another federal immigration agent fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, in Minneapolis. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O'Hara urged the public to remain calm but also reiterated calls for ICE to leave the city and state. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had previously encouraged residents to record the actions of federal agents. In response, DHS accused Minnesota officials of 'actively encouraging an organized resistance to ICE and federal law enforcement officers.'
7 Comments
Kyle Broflovski
Officer was clearly ambushed. Self-defense is a right, especially for law enforcement.
Eric Cartman
Federal agents are just doing their job enforcing laws. Local politicians are fueling this resistance.
Donatello
It's understandable that an officer would defend themselves when assaulted, but the community's distrust of federal immigration enforcement is also a valid concern, especially after previous incidents.
Leonardo
A snow shovel and a broom handle versus a firearm? That's not an ambush, that's an excuse for violence.
Michelangelo
The officer's claim of self-defense deserves a thorough investigation, yet the protests turning violent with projectiles only compounds the problem and creates more danger for everyone involved.
Raphael
While the individual reportedly resisted, the broader context of prior shootings and strong local calls for ICE to leave suggests a systemic issue that goes beyond this single, unfortunate incident.
Leonardo
An 'illegal alien' violently assaulted an officer. The agent acted to protect himself.