As the Stopped Car Moved, Shots Fired... ICE Agent's Killing of Woman in Her 30s Sparks Widespread Fallout

Civilian Killed During ICE Immigration Operation
Trump Defends "Self-Defense," City and State Officials Dispute Federal Account

Controversy is growing over the death of a woman in her 30s who was shot during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation targeting illegal immigrants in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As explanations from the federal government and the authorities of Minneapolis city and the state of Minnesota directly contradict each other, the political and social ramifications are intensifying, with President Donald Trump personally stepping in to defend the actions of the ICE agent.

A woman in her 30s died from gunfire by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The photo shows the police line and vehicles at the scene. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

On January 8, Yonhap News, citing an announcement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), reported that a 37-year-old woman was shot and killed by an ICE agent during a targeted enforcement operation. Regarding the incident, DHS stated, "Some individuals at the scene interfered with the agents' activities, and one of them weaponized a vehicle and attempted to ram the agents." DHS explained, "The ICE agent fired defensively to protect himself, his colleagues, and public safety." The DHS classified the act as "an act of terrorism."

Dispute Over the Truth as Incident Video Spreads

President Donald Trump also stated on social media shortly after the incident that he had watched the video, describing it as "a horrific scene." He claimed, "The screaming woman appeared to be a professional agitator, and the woman driving the vehicle was disorderly, obstructive, and resisted, deliberately and violently ramming the ICE agent with her car." He continued, "It appears the agent fired in self-defense," adding, "The agent was seriously injured-so much so that it's hard to believe he survived, but he is currently recovering in the hospital."

The eyewitness video circulating online showed ICE agents approaching an SUV stopped sideways in the middle of the road, attempting to open the car door. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

President Trump further stated, "This incident is under investigation, but the reason these things happen is because radical leftists threaten and attack law enforcement officers and ICE agents every day." He emphasized, "We must support and protect law enforcement officers who strive to keep America safe from the violence and hate campaigns of the radical left." However, the authorities and police of Minneapolis have strongly refuted the federal government's explanation.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized the DHS statement at a press conference, calling it "nonsense" and arguing, "The ICE agent recklessly used force, resulting in the death of a civilian." He strongly condemned the incident, saying, "Get out of Minneapolis. We do not want ICE here." Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara also stated, "There is no indication that the deceased woman was the subject of any investigation or enforcement action by law enforcement." He added, "The individual, who appeared to be a middle-aged white woman, seemed to have blocked the road with her vehicle where the ICE agents were present."

This incident occurred as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched a large-scale crackdown on illegal immigrants in Minnesota. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also said at a press conference, "We are witnessing the results of governance designed to instill fear," adding, "I understand the anger of the residents, and I am angry as well, but we must continue peaceful protests." He stated, "We do not need any additional support from the federal government. President Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, you have already done enough."

The eyewitness video circulating online shows ICE agents approaching an SUV stopped sideways in the middle of the road, attempting to open the car door. As the vehicle began to move, an agent standing directly in front of it drew his firearm and fired at least two shots into the car. The SUV then lost control, crashed into two parked vehicles on the sidewalk, and came to a stop. However, based on this video alone, it is unclear whether the vehicle actually struck the agent before the shooting.

A local resident who witnessed the scene told the media, "She was just driving her car, and they killed her." According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, the victim's mother, Donna Ganger, said in an interview, "My daughter Renee had nothing to do with protests against ICE agents," adding, "She was a compassionate person who spent her life caring for others."

Tragedy Follows Announcement of Largest-Ever ICE Operation... Federal Immigration Policy Under Fire

This incident occurred as ICE launched a large-scale crackdown on illegal immigrants in Minnesota. Todd Lyons, Acting Director of ICE, had previously announced, "We are about to begin the largest enforcement operation in ICE history in Minnesota," and U.S. media reported that about 2,000 agents were expected to be deployed in the Minneapolis area.

Previously, President Trump had suggested a tough stance on immigration enforcement and deportation policies, stating, "Hundreds of thousands of Somali refugees have taken over what was once a prosperous Minnesota." In response, Governor Walz strongly objected, calling it "a war against Minnesota." Meanwhile, the Trump administration has been increasing pressure on Minnesota, which is led by the Democratic Party, not only through immigration enforcement but also by suspending funding for low-income child support programs in five states, including Minnesota, citing serious welfare fraud issues.

After the incident, the video rapidly spread online, gathering hundreds of protesters at the scene, and a memorial rally for the victims was held in the evening. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Minneapolis is the city where, in May 2020, George Floyd, a Black man, died as a result of excessive police force. During his arrest, Floyd's neck was pinned under an officer's knee for about 9 minutes and 30 seconds, and the incident sparked nationwide "Black Lives Matter" protests. According to the Associated Press, this latest shooting took place about one mile (1.6 km) from where George Floyd died. The area is also the congressional district of Ilhan Omar, a Democratic member of Congress of Somali immigrant descent. Representative Omar described the incident as "state violence, not law enforcement."

After the incident, the video rapidly spread online, gathering hundreds of protesters at the scene, and a vigil was held in the evening to mourn the victim. Protesters called for resistance against ICE's aggressive enforcement operations. The exact circumstances of the incident will be determined through a joint investigation by federal and local authorities.