MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Republicans on Capitol Hill moved quickly Wednesday to defend Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers after a fatal shooting during an ICE operation in Minneapolis, while Democrats condemned the incident and questioned the federal agency’s account of events.
According to reporting by Axios, an ICE officer shot and killed a 37-year-old woman after her vehicle approached federal agents during an enforcement action. The Department of Homeland Security said the officer fired in self-defense, claiming he feared for his life, the safety of fellow officers, and the public. GOP leaders largely echoed that explanation, urging support for federal law enforcement.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) said ICE agents “put their lives on the line every day,” while House GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) argued the incident reflected what happens when law enforcement is “demonized.” Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said video footage appears to show the vehicle being used as a weapon against officers, a claim repeated by several Republican lawmakers from Minnesota and beyond.
Democrats strongly disputed that characterization. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, after reviewing video of the shooting, publicly rejected DHS’s account and accused the officer of recklessly using force. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) called the killing “unconscionable,” while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries demanded a full criminal investigation. Other Democrats warned they could oppose future DHS funding unless ICE’s authority is curbed.
The shooting is now under investigation by federal and state authorities.
Sources:
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