MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Authorities reported a shooting on Wednesday involving federal agents in Minneapolis, coinciding with a significant immigration enforcement operation in the area. This crackdown has been particularly focused on issues related to fraud allegations among Somali residents.
Live video footage shared online indicated a substantial presence of federal and local law enforcement officers at the scene. Observers noted yellow police tape and vehicles that appeared to have been involved in a crash. Among those present was Cmdr. Gregory Bovino of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, signaling the high-level federal involvement in this situation.
The city of Minneapolis made an announcement via X (formerly Twitter) urging residents to avoid the area around East 34th Street and Portland Avenue, where the shooting took place. Specific details regarding the incident were limited at the time, but witnesses reported bystanders blowing whistles and taunting federal agents, reflecting the tensions surrounding the operation.
This incident followed the Department of Homeland Security’s announcement on Tuesday regarding an extensive immigration enforcement initiative. Approximately 2,000 agents and officers were deployed in the Minneapolis and St. Paul regions as part of this operation. The enforcement actions are connected to allegations targeting fraudulent activities involving Somali residents, prompting heightened scrutiny and unrest in the community.
In response to the crackdown, local advocacy groups such as the Immigration Defense Network mobilized their efforts to support immigrant communities. The coalition organized a training session on Tuesday night, where around 100 individuals gathered to prepare for potential monitoring of federal enforcement activities. This initiative underscores the community's proactive stance in addressing concerns about immigration enforcement practices.
Mary Moran, a participant in the training, expressed her motivation to take a stand, stating, “I feel like I’m an ordinary person, and I have the ability to do something so I need to do it.” Her sentiment reflects the broader community concern regarding the impact of federal actions on local residents and the desire to advocate for those affected.
The shooting incident involving federal agents highlights the escalated tensions in Minneapolis amid ongoing immigration enforcement activities, raising questions about safety and the implications of such operations within local communities.
