ICE Officer Fatally Shoots Woman Through SUV Window

On the morning of January 7, 2026, a federal agent from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) fatally shot a 37-year-old woman through the window of her SUV in south Minneapolis, according to authorities and multiple eyewitness accounts. The incident occurred amid a large federal immigration enforcement operation that brought hundreds — and potentially thousands — of ICE, FBI, and other agents to the Twin Cities area.

Fatal Shooting by ICE During Federal Enforcement

Initial video footage and witness reports show the woman’s red SUV (a Honda Pilot) stopped sideways in the roadway near Portland Avenue and East 34th Street. ICE officers approached on foot and reportedly yelled orders for the driver to exit the vehicle. One agent attempted to open the driver’s door, and a second agent then fired multiple shots into the car, striking the woman. The SUV traveled a short distance before crashing. She was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Conflicting Narratives and Immediate Reactions

Federal officials, including Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, issued statements on social media asserting that the woman had “weaponized her vehicle” and attempted to run over federal agents, labeling the move an act of domestic terrorism and claiming the ICE officer fired in self-defense. They also reported injuries to officers, though details of those injuries remain unclear.

Local authorities and eyewitnesses strongly dispute this version of events. Minneapolis leaders, including Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara, questioned the federal narrative, saying video from bystanders does not show the vehicle threatening officers and accused ICE of excessive force. “She was driving away, and they killed her,” one witness was quoted as saying. Additionally, officials warned against prematurely accepting the federal account and called for thorough investigations at the city and state levels.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also condemned the shooting and the broader immigration enforcement tactics, saying the operation posed public safety risks and could exacerbate tensions. State and federal authorities are participating in ongoing investigations.

Protests Against ICE, Police, and Public Outrage

The shooting quickly triggered protests in the neighborhood where it occurred, with some demonstrators confronting federal agents. Chemical irritants were reportedly used by law enforcement in attempts to disperse crowds. Moreover, residents laid white roses at the scene in memory of the woman, and political leaders — including members of the Minneapolis City Council — addressed the crowd, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability.

The incident also touched deep nerves in a city still marked by tensions from past fatal encounters between law enforcement and residents, including the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Some protesters and activists have framed the killing as part of broader issues around federal immigration operations and the use of deadly force.

National and Political Fallout

Nationally, opinions are sharply divided. Some commentators and federal leaders defend ICE’s actions under the claim of self-defense amid a federal operation. Others criticise the use of lethal force and argue that the federal presence and tactics escalate conflict rather than protect public safety. The case has already drawn attention from lawmakers and civil liberties advocates, calling for independent investigations and reviews of federal enforcement protocols.

Investigations by state, federal, and local authorities are ongoing as the community and nation grapple with the deadly confrontation and its implications for immigration enforcement policy in urban settings.

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