MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — In a dramatic turn of events, a shooting incident that involved federal law enforcement occurred in Minneapolis on Wednesday, coinciding with an extensive immigration enforcement operation. Law enforcement agents were present in significant numbers following a crackdown involving an operation that deploys 2,000 agents in the area.
According to authorities, the shooting took place as federal agents were stationed near East 34th Street and Portland Avenue. In a situation reminiscent of previous immigration enforcement actions seen in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, crowds of bystanders expressed their anger, chanting slogans such as “Shame! Shame! Shame!” at the federal presence.
The Minneapolis city government issued a warning for residents to avoid the area as details surrounding the shooting incident remained scarce. Cmdr. Gregory Bovino of U.S. Customs and Border Protection was reportedly among the agents deployed.
Following the incident, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly condemned the federal operation, calling it a source of chaos within the community. He stated, “We are demanding ICE leave the city and state immediately. We stand rock solid with our immigrant and refugee communities.”
The current immigration operation is tied to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents, as articulated by the Department of Homeland Security. Local organizations have mobilized, training volunteers to monitor federal enforcement actions and urging community support amidst increasing tensions.
With the immense scale of this operation drawing widespread scrutiny, both local officials and community advocates continue to voice concerns over the implications for immigrant residents in the area.
