Approximately one hour after the mayor’s remarks appeared online, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz delivered a brief update on the state’s response. Walz did not contradict the city’s account of the fatal encounter but emphasized that the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is prepared to assist if a formal investigation is requested. The governor added that his office is seeking additional facts from ICE and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He did not speculate on whether state authorities would open an independent probe.
Separate comments came from South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who described the deceased woman’s actions as “an act of domestic terrorism.” Noem did not provide evidence for that characterization during her appearance on a national news program. Her remarks quickly drew attention because they differed from the neutral language used by Minnesota officials, who have not publicly labeled the woman’s behavior as terror-related.
ICE has not released a detailed narrative of the shooting. A brief statement issued by the agency confirmed the fatality and noted that the officer involved has been placed on standard administrative leave, a routine measure following use of deadly force. ICE said that it will cooperate with “all relevant reviews.” Federal agencies often enlist their own internal investigators and, in some circumstances, the U.S. Department of Justice to examine shootings that occur during enforcement operations.
The latest incident adds to lingering tension between Minneapolis officials and federal immigration authorities. The city identifies itself as a “welcoming” jurisdiction and, over the past several years, has limited cooperation with detainer requests and other ICE activities. Local advocates argue that such policies encourage undocumented residents to report crime without fear of immigration consequences. ICE contends that restricted access to local databases and facilities compels agents to carry out enforcement operations in public settings, an environment that officials on both sides acknowledge carries higher risks.
The governor’s office indicated that the Minnesota Department of Public Safety has not yet received a formal referral to examine the shooting. A spokesperson for the department stated that it stands ready to activate state investigative resources if asked by federal or municipal partners. For now, the primary inquiry remains in federal hands.
Community groups in Minneapolis have scheduled vigils near the location where the shooting occurred, though organizers have not disclosed the precise site while they coordinate with the victim’s relatives. Activists are also calling for the release of body-worn camera footage, if available. ICE has not confirmed whether video evidence exists.
Legal observers note that any multiagency investigation will have to resolve jurisdictional questions. Because the shooting took place within city limits but involved a federal officer, both the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local prosecutors could claim oversight, depending on the findings. In practice, federal prosecutors usually take the lead when a federal agent discharges a weapon in the line of duty.
For Minneapolis, the mayor’s demand that ICE leave marks the latest chapter in a broader effort to re-evaluate public safety practices after a series of high-profile incidents involving law enforcement. Whether federal authorities will heed the request remains uncertain. ICE has not signaled any immediate change to its operational plans in the Twin Cities area.
As of this writing, officials have not released the woman’s name, the officer’s identity, or detailed information about the enforcement operation that preceded the shooting. The governor’s office promised additional updates once investigative agencies complete initial interviews and evidence collection.
Crédito da imagem: ABC News Live
