MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A shooting incident involving federal agents was reported on Wednesday in Minneapolis, amidst a large-scale immigration enforcement operation that has drawn significant community backlash.
Live coverage showed a significant presence of federal and local law enforcement, with yellow police tape surrounding the area. Officials confirmed the incident occurred near East 34th Street and Portland Avenue, advising residents to avoid the vicinity.
Reacting to the situation, Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the immigration operations, stating, “We are demanding ICE leave the city and state immediately. We stand rock solid with our immigrant and refugee communities.”
The immigration enforcement operation, reportedly involving 2,000 agents, has been partly related to allegations of fraud among Somali residents in Minnesota. Local protestors expressed their anger, chanting against the federal agents at the scene, which echoed sentiments heard during past immigration crackdowns in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago.
Community organizations, such as the Immigration Defense Network, have mobilized local residents to monitor federal enforcement actions, reflecting a grassroots effort to support the immigrant population and protect their rights in the face of escalating immigration policies.
Dell’Orto reported from St. Paul, Minnesota, with contributions from Associated Press reporter Ed White in Detroit.
