Minneapolis in Turmoil: Federal Officer Shoots Man Amid Ongoing Unrest
Federal Officer Involved in Shooting Incident
In Minneapolis, a federal officer shot a man in the leg following an attack involving a shovel and a broom handle, escalating the already heightened tensions in the city. This incident occurred just a week after an immigration agent fatally shot a woman in the head.
On Wednesday night, smoke filled the streets near the shooting site as federal agents donned gas masks and helmets, deploying tear gas and grenades to disperse a small crowd of protesters who retaliated by throwing rocks and fireworks. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara declared the gathering an unlawful assembly, urging attendees to disperse.
Protests have become a frequent occurrence in Minneapolis since the fatal shooting of Renee Good on January 7, which was part of a significant immigration enforcement operation that has seen thousands of federal agents deployed in the Twin Cities. Officers have forcibly removed individuals from vehicles and homes, facing backlash from angry residents demanding their withdrawal.
Mayor Jacob Frey described the current situation as untenable, emphasizing the need for a solution that ensures public safety while maintaining order.
Federal Forces Overwhelm Local Police
Frey noted that the federal presence is five times larger than the city's police force of 600 officers, creating an atmosphere of fear and anger among residents, some of whom are urging local police to confront ICE agents. Meanwhile, the police continue to manage their regular duties.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported over 2,000 arrests in Minnesota since early December, asserting its commitment to continue its operations.
The shooting incident was preceded by a chase involving a Venezuelan individual illegally in the U.S. After fleeing from federal officers, the individual crashed into a parked car and attempted to escape on foot. When confronted by officers, two others emerged from a nearby apartment and attacked the officer, prompting him to fire in self-defense.
The man who was shot is currently hospitalized with injuries that are not life-threatening.
Legal Challenges and Government Response
Earlier that day, a judge granted the Trump administration time to respond to a request to halt its immigration enforcement in Minnesota, while the Pentagon sought military lawyers to assist in the ongoing law enforcement efforts.
Assistant Attorney General Brian Carter emphasized the need for a pause to de-escalate tensions, as local leaders argue that the surge in law enforcement violates constitutional rights. The judge has set a deadline for the Justice Department to respond to a restraining order request.
Governor Tim Walz described the situation in Minnesota as chaotic, asserting that it has evolved beyond immigration enforcement into a campaign of organized brutality against residents by the federal government.
Military Involvement and Legal Concerns
Reports indicate that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is requesting military branches to identify lawyers to assist in Minneapolis, with the Pentagon confirming its support for the Justice Department.
This move is part of the Trump administration's strategy to deploy military and civilian attorneys to areas affected by federal immigration operations. Concerns have been raised about the impact on military legal support due to the limited number of JAG officers available.
In a related development, Jonathan Ross, the ICE officer involved in Good's death, reportedly suffered internal bleeding during the incident, although details regarding the severity of his injuries remain unclear.
Good's family has engaged a law firm known for representing high-profile cases, including George Floyd's family, to conduct an independent investigation into her death.