A U.S. federal agent shot and injured a Venezuelan man during a confrontation in Minneapolis on Wednesday night, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The incident occurred during a traffic stop when the man, identified by authorities as residing in the U.S. illegally, fled his vehicle after crashing into a parked car. A physical altercation ensued after two bystanders allegedly attacked the officer with household tools, prompting the agent to fire a non-fatal shot into the man’s leg.
Local police confirmed the injured man is in stable condition, while the two individuals who intervened are now in custody. Minneapolis officials have publicly urged federal immigration authorities to withdraw from the area, citing escalating community tensions. Protests erupted near the scene late Wednesday, with demonstrators echoing demands for accountability following last week’s fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an ICE agent.
The DHS emphasized the shooting was a "defensive" measure, but the event has reignited nationwide debates over federal immigration enforcement practices. Analysts note the incident underscores persistent friction between local governance and federal agencies in 2026.
