U.S. federal agents shot and killed a man in Minneapolis during an immigration enforcement operation, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The incident has sparked protests and renewed demands for President Donald Trump to withdraw heavily armed federal officers from the city.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the 37-year-old man died in hospital after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Officials have not yet released his name. O’Hara confirmed the man was a Minneapolis resident and a U.S. citizen.
Shooting Raises Tensions Over Federal Deployment
The killing occurred during a weeks-long presence of immigration and federal law enforcement agents in Minneapolis. The deployment forms part of Trump’s broader push for tougher immigration enforcement.
At a news conference, O’Hara called on federal agencies to operate with “discipline, humanity and integrity” while working in the city.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz strongly criticised the operation, calling it “a campaign of organised brutality.” He said the state would lead the investigation into the shooting.
Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
The Department of Homeland Security said a U.S. Border Patrol agent fired after the man resisted efforts to disarm him and was carrying a handgun.
However, video footage shared on social media appears to show officers wrestling the man to the ground before shots were fired. Investigative group Bellingcat said footage suggests the man’s weapon was taken away before the first shot.
Another video showed the man holding a cell phone before officers used pepper spray, tackled him, and fired multiple shots while he lay on the ground.
Police later said they believed the man was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit.
Recent Fatal Shootings Add to Public Anger
Saturday’s shooting follows another deadly incident earlier this month, when an ICE officer fatally shot a Minneapolis woman, Renee Nicole Good, while she sat in her car.
Federal agents also shot a Venezuelan man in a separate incident in the city last week, further escalating public concern.
Local Leaders Demand Federal Withdrawal
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the Trump administration’s actions after viewing footage of the shooting.
He questioned how many more people must die before federal operations are halted, saying political narratives should not outweigh public safety and American values.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar also called for an end to the federal deployment, urging the administration to remove ICE agents from Minnesota immediately.
Trump Pushes Back Against Critics
President Trump rejected the criticism in a post on Truth Social, accusing state and city leaders of inciting unrest. He referred to Governor Walz and Mayor Frey as “political fools” and blamed them for escalating tensions.
Protests Erupt as Officials Call for Calm
Following the shooting, Minneapolis officials urged residents to stay calm and avoid the area. Governor Walz said state and local authorities were working to de-escalate the situation and again called on Trump to withdraw federal forces.
Protesters gathered near the scene, where footage showed tear gas in the air and a heavy security presence.
Reporting from Washington, Al Jazeera correspondent Heidi Zhou-Castro said the incident has intensified tensions in a city already marked by deep divisions since the 2020 police killing of George Floyd.
Growing Opposition to Immigration Crackdown
On Friday, thousands of protesters marched through Minneapolis against ICE and the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Hundreds of businesses closed as part of a general strike, highlighting growing opposition to the federal crackdown.
