By Micah Jonah | January 24, 2026
Federal immigration agents in the United States have shot, killed a man during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis, marking the second fatal incident linked to immigration raids in the city this month.
The United States Department of Homeland Security confirmed that a Border Patrol agent opened fire after an encounter with the man, who was later identified by local police as a United States citizen and a lawful gun owner with no criminal record apart from traffic violations.
According to federal authorities, the man approached the agents while they were conducting a search for an immigrant suspect and was carrying a handgun and two magazines. Officials stated that the agent fired in self defence during an attempt to disarm him. An investigation has been launched to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the victim was a 37 year old resident of the city. He urged members of the public to stay away from the area where the incident occurred, describing the scene as volatile.
Following the shooting, videos circulated on social media showing armed and masked federal officers deploying tear gas as protesters gathered at the scene, chanting and confronting the agents. Local and state police later arrived to contain the crowd after federal officers withdrew from the area.
The Minneapolis Mayor, Jacob Frey, called for an immediate end to the federal immigration operation in the state, stating that the presence of thousands of federal agents had heightened tension and insecurity in local communities. The Governor of Minnesota and two United States senators also demanded the suspension of the operation.
In response, President Donald Trump accused state and local leaders of encouraging resistance against federal authorities. He stated that the administration would continue its immigration enforcement efforts, insisted that federal agents were acting within the law.
The shooting occurred a day after over 10,000 residents protested against the deployment of about 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota as part of a nationwide immigration crackdown. Previous incidents, including the detention of US citizens and school children, have further intensified public outrage.
Several public facilities near the incident location were temporarily closed over safety concerns, while protests continued later in the evening under heavy police monitoring.
Federal authorities say investigations are ongoing and further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
