اندلعت اشتباكات بين متظاهرين والسلطات في شمال مينيابوليس بعد تقارير أفادت بإصابة رجل بطلق ناري في ساقه خلال عملية اتحادية لإنفاذ قوانين الهجرة، بحسب شهود ووسائل إعلام محلية. وقال شهود عيان إن مطاردة بالسيارات شارك فيها عناصر اتحاديون أعقبتها سلسلة من الطلقات النارية، فيما شوهد دخان وانفجارات في عدة تقاطعات مع تجمع حشود كبيرة وانتشار مكثف لمركبات الشرطة وعناصر بالزي الرسمي في المنطقة.
City officials acknowledged awareness of reports of a shooting involving federal law enforcement but released few details. Authorities said the incident occurred during an ICE operation and is under investigation. Minneapolis police emphasized they were not involved in the federal operation and said their role was to maintain public order. Federal officials stated ICE agents encountered a dangerous situation, asserted agents acted according to training, and said an internal review is underway.
Demonstrations erupted near the scene and later spread toward downtown, with crowds chanting against Immigration and Customs Enforcement and demanding accountability. Confrontations escalated as protesters blocked streets and faced off with officers; police deployed riot units and used tear gas to disperse crowds, while some demonstrators reportedly threw objects at law enforcement lines. Emergency services treated several people for minor injuries, and multiple arrests were reported for failure to disperse and disorderly conduct.
The shooting comes a week after an ICE agent fatally shot a woman during a major deportation operation in Minneapolis, a case that has already heightened tensions and scrutiny of federal tactics. Community leaders and civil rights groups condemned the latest shooting, calling for transparency, the release of body camera footage and clarification of the circumstances surrounding the use of force. They warned the incident has intensified fear within immigrant communities.
The unrest echoes past protests in Minneapolis over policing and civil rights. Officials warned additional security measures could be imposed if demonstrations continue, while activists vowed to remain in the streets until investigators provide answers about the shooting and broader immigration enforcement practices.
