MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Tensions flared in Minneapolis as a federal officer shot a man in the leg after facing an attack with a shovel and broom handle during an immigration arrest attempt. The shooting, which took place amid growing civil unrest, has further exacerbated fears and anger among local residents, especially in the wake of another recent incident where an immigration agent fatally shot a woman.
Protests erupted outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building as federal officers deployed tear gas and faced backlash from demonstrators throwing rocks. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara declared the gathering an unlawful assembly, urging protesters to disperse.
Mayor Jacob Frey expressed concerns over the overwhelming federal presence, which has been significantly larger than the city's own police department, leading citizens to feel invaded and fearful. The Department of Homeland Security defended its aggressive immigration enforcement, stating that over 2,000 arrests have been made since December, whereas local leaders have pointed to constitutional violations and a harsh campaign of brutality against residents.
The recent shooting incident was described as an act of self-defense by the DHS, emphasizing that the officer feared for his life when surrounded by multiple attackers. Meanwhile, the injured man is recovering in the hospital. As legal battles surrounding the immigration crackdown continue, state officials are calling for a pause on the federal actions to restore peace and safety in Minneapolis.
Protests erupted outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building as federal officers deployed tear gas and faced backlash from demonstrators throwing rocks. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara declared the gathering an unlawful assembly, urging protesters to disperse.
Mayor Jacob Frey expressed concerns over the overwhelming federal presence, which has been significantly larger than the city's own police department, leading citizens to feel invaded and fearful. The Department of Homeland Security defended its aggressive immigration enforcement, stating that over 2,000 arrests have been made since December, whereas local leaders have pointed to constitutional violations and a harsh campaign of brutality against residents.
The recent shooting incident was described as an act of self-defense by the DHS, emphasizing that the officer feared for his life when surrounded by multiple attackers. Meanwhile, the injured man is recovering in the hospital. As legal battles surrounding the immigration crackdown continue, state officials are calling for a pause on the federal actions to restore peace and safety in Minneapolis.
