Trump Blasts Minnesota Officials Over Fatal ICE Shooting in Minneapolis
Trump Slams Minnesota Leaders After ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

In a strongly worded post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump has launched a sharp critique against Minnesota state and city officials in the aftermath of a fatal shooting involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. The president accused local leaders of failing to support federal law enforcement efforts and contributing to the unrest that has gripped the city.

Questioning Local Police Response

Trump directly questioned the circumstances surrounding the shooting, pointing to the weapon involved. "This is the gunman's gun, loaded (with two additional full magazines!), and ready to go — what is that all about?" he wrote. The president further inquired about the absence of local police support, suggesting political interference. "Where are the local Police? Why weren't they allowed to protect ICE Officers? The Mayor and the Governor called them off?"

Allegations of Law Enforcement Obstruction

The president portrayed the situation as one where local law enforcement faced restrictions in assisting federal officers. "It is stated that many of these Police were not allowed to do their job, that ICE had to protect themselves — Not an easy thing to do!" Trump defended the federal operation while rallying support for his immigration enforcement strategy. He reiterated his view that federal agents were operating in a hostile environment, blaming state and city leaders for what he described as incitement and obstruction. "The Mayor and the Governor are inciting Insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric!" Trump declared.

Expanding Criticism to Political Grievances

Beyond defending federal agents, the president broadened his criticism to include wider political allegations. Trump questioned financial matters related to Representative Ilhan Omar and made unverified claims about financial misconduct in Minnesota. "Why does Ilhan Omar have $34 Million Dollars in her account? And where are the Tens of Billions of Dollars that have been stolen from the once Great State of Minnesota?" he wrote. The president framed the violence and protests as part of a larger cover-up, stating, "These Fraudsters who stole the money are going to jail, where they belong!"

Defense of Immigration Enforcement Operations

Trump also defended the broader immigration crackdown currently underway in Minnesota, highlighting federal efforts to remove individuals from the state. He asserted that authorities had removed "12,000 Illegal Alien Criminals" and warned that without such enforcement, the situation would deteriorate further. "If they were still there, you would see something far worse than you are witnessing today!" the president wrote.

Escalating Tensions in Minneapolis

The president's remarks come amid rising tensions in Minneapolis following multiple fatal and high-profile shootings involving federal immigration agents. These incidents have prompted strong responses from local officials and widespread protests across the city. Governor Tim Walz has called for an end to the federal operation, while city leaders and protesters have criticized the tactics and presence of federal forces.

Details of the Fatal Shooting

A US Border Patrol agent shot and killed a man in Minneapolis on Saturday, marking the second fatal shooting involving federal immigration officers this month. This event occurred amid a surge in enforcement activity that has sparked fierce protests throughout the city. The US Department of Homeland Security stated that the agent fired in self-defense after attempting to disarm a man who approached officers with a handgun and two magazines. Local police later confirmed the man was a US citizen.

Police Confirm Lawful Gun Ownership

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara provided additional details about the deceased individual. He stated that the man was a 37-year-old city resident with no criminal history beyond traffic violations and was legally permitted to own a firearm. Authorities have not released his name. "He was a lawful gun owner," O'Hara said, noting that the incident scene remained volatile. The police chief urged residents to avoid the area to prevent further unrest, appealing, "Please do not destroy our city."

Continued Protests and Public Response

Hours after the shooting, tensions eased slightly as federal agents appeared to have withdrawn from the area. However, protesters continued chanting into the evening, maintaining their opposition to the federal presence. The shooting occurred just one day after more than 10,000 people marched through Minneapolis in freezing temperatures to protest the deployment of approximately 3,000 federal immigration agents ordered to the state by President Donald Trump.