An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer has shot a man in the leg in the US city of Minneapolis, where tensions have been running high since an ICE agent shot dead a woman last week.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that federal officers were conducting a targeted traffic stop when a Venezuelan national was shot after resisting arrest and assaulting an officer.
US officials reported that the man was shot after an ICE officer was attacked with a shovel.
Fresh clashes broke out between protesters and law enforcement near the scene, with city officials appealing for calm. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey described the situation as unsustainable.
Tensions regarding immigration enforcement have heightened in the city following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent on January 7th, which sparked protests in Minneapolis and other US cities.
The man shot was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the officer involved was also hospitalized for injuries, according to the DHS.
The latest shooting has led to renewed confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement, with reports of officers being hit by fireworks, ice, and snowballs.
In a statement, city officials urged the public to remain calm and reiterated their call for ICE to leave Minneapolis.
The DHS explained that during the incident, the man exited his vehicle, leading to an altercation with an ICE officer, during which two others joined the fight, allegedly attacking the officer. The officer then fired defensive shots in fear for his safety.
Both assailants from the altercation are currently in custody, while the FBI is investigating the incident.
Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey criticized federal officers for causing chaos and noted that approximately 3,000 federal officers have been deployed across Minnesota in recent weeks.
The atmosphere remains tense as the community seeks answers and accountability following this recent escalation.
