An immigration officer in the United States shot dead a woman during a protest against immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, with federal authorities describing the incident as an act of “domestic terrorism”.
According to US officials, the incident took place during a protest linked to an immigration enforcement operation in South Minneapolis. The woman allegedly attempted to ram a vehicle into officers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), prompting one officer to open fire.
Officer fired fearing for life, says DHS
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, said the officer acted in self-defence.
“Attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them is an act of domestic terrorism,” DHS said in a statement on X.
Officials added that the officer fired “defensive shots” fearing for his life, the lives of fellow officers, and public safety. The woman was hit and later died. ICE officers who were injured during the incident are expected to recover fully, authorities said.
Incident during protest over immigration raids
Local media reported that the shooting occurred near 34th Street and Portland Avenue in Minneapolis. The protest was part of growing demonstrations against immigration enforcement actions under the administration of former US President Donald Trump, which has pledged stricter action against undocumented migrants.
Television footage aired by WCCO, a CBS affiliate, showed ICE officers using pepper spray and pushing protesters during enforcement operations in South Minneapolis. The channel reported that videos of the shooting were circulating locally and had been viewed by its reporters.
Mixed reactions from witnesses
A bystander quoted by WCCO questioned the use of lethal force. “There’s no way whatever this person did that they deserved to be killed for it,” the witness said, reflecting the anger and shock among some protesters.
Probe likely amid rising tensions
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the woman who was killed. An investigation is expected to examine the sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
The incident has further intensified debate in the US over immigration enforcement, protest policing, and the use of force by federal officers, at a time when tensions around migrant policy remain high in several American cities.