ICE Fires Tear Gas, Pepper Spray at Minneapolis Protesters After Federal Agent Shoots Migrant

ICE Fires Tear Gas, Pepper Spray at Minneapolis Protesters After Federal Agent Shoots Migrant

Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis, USA, deployed tear gas and pepper spray against protesters — including families with children — following the shooting of a Venezuelan man in the leg by a federal immigration officer, authorities and witnesses say. The unrest comes amid escalating tensions in the city over aggressive federal immigration enforcement operations. (The Washington Post)

According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the incident occurred in North Minneapolis during a targeted traffic stop on Wednesday evening when a Venezuelan national allegedly fled from immigration agents and allegedly assaulted an officer with the aid of two others. The federal agent shot the man in the leg; he was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. (KPBS Public Media)

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As word spread through neighbourhoods — near where a local woman was fatally shot by an ICE agent last week — crowds gathered to protest. Witnesses said federal agents responded by discharging chemical irritants, including tear gas and pepper spray, into the crowd, forcing families and children to be carried away, some with red eyes and respiratory irritation. (Fox News)

Local officials have strongly criticised the federal response. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the actions of ICE agents and other federal officers, calling for them to leave the city and state immediately and affirming support for immigrant and refugee communities. (The Washington Post)

The shooting and subsequent heavy-handed response follow a previous controversial incident in which an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year-old US citizen, sparking widespread protests and legal challenges. (Wikipedia)

ICE Fires Tear Gas, Pepper Spray at Minneapolis Protesters After Federal Agent Shoots Migrant