BREAKING: Federal agents shot and killed a man in south Minneapolis this morning, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara. I watched a video of the shooting on the Minneapolis Star Tribune live updates. This is an unfolding story. This marks the third shooting (the second fatal) in Minneapolis by federal agents since Metro Surge began.
Here’s the post I was working on when I learned about today’s shooting:
MINNESOTANS REMAIN STRONG and undeterred in their opposition to ongoing ICE enforcement in our state. Nowhere was that strength of resistance more publicly visible than Friday afternoon in downtown Minneapolis.
Thousands (some estimates are 50,000) bundled up and marched in a double digit subzero wind chill to protest ICE actions, gathering afterwards for a rally inside Target Center. Those protesters included my cousins who live in south Minneapolis. They want ICE out of their neighborhoods, their city, our state. So do I.
I should note that not every Minnesotan opposes ICE’s massive enforcement efforts here. I don’t understand how anyone can be OK with the often aggressive, violent and unconstitutional ways in which these federal agents are operating in Minnesota. This has gone well beyond their originally-stated goal of gathering and deporting “the worst of the worst,” violent criminals who are here illegally.
I should also note that ICE’s reach stretches well beyond the Twin Cities metro. Agents are detaining people in my community of Faribault. Likewise in Rochester (home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic), Mankato, St. Cloud, Northfield, even small towns like St. James and many more places in between.
Momentum against ICE is growing as the impact on people is being felt in multiple ways. Healthcare workers say patients are afraid to seek care and that their physical and mental health are being affected. Plus, doctors and nurses are under tremendous stress, especially when ICE agents enter clinics and hospitals.
ICE has stopped off-duty law enforcement officers of color in instances of reported racial profiling.
Students are walking out of classes, concerned about their classmates, some of whom have been taken by ICE. Others are not coming to school. Schools are going to virtual learning.
Labor unions have publicly stood up against ICE.
At the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, local clergy and clergy from across the country gathered outside terminal one on Friday to protest deportation flights in and out of the airport and ICE’s presence in Minnesota.
Educators are speaking out about the fear they are seeing in their students, about the students who are not coming to school, about the students who have been taken by ICE.
And then there’s the group of “Women with Walkers” who gathered in the chapel of a senior living community in St. Paul Friday afternoon to pray and protest in their own quiet way.
I can’t write any more. Not in this moment. I am too angry.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I’m so sad, frightened, angry, and absolutely devastated that this is what has become of our country, Audrey. My heart and prayers are with all of you in Minnesota, and everywhere that these vicious, lawless agents are terrorizing people. I wish I were there to stand with you.
You are standing with us in spirit, Lori. Know how much we as Minnesotans appreciate your support.
I understand. I’m at a loss for words.
I know. It’s beyond awful that another 37-year-old has been shot and killed by ICE in south Minneapolis. Continue to stand strong and raise your voice.
The Trump administration – Greg Bovino, Kristi Noem… responds as if they never watched the multiple videos from several angles that everyone else has seen. They claim Alex came at them with a weapon to do maximum damage to ICE agents. We can plainly see Alex with his phone, videoing them. We see when they spray him, tackle him, repeatedly punch him, take his weapon away from inside his clothing, and then they shoot him…
It’s sickening, the narrative they’re spinning once again, like we’re stupid. And blaming Gov. Walz and Mayor Frey, who certainly did not pull the trigger. Every single person in this country ought to be outraged at what’s playing out with ICE in Minnesota.
I can’t even imagine the level of emotion all of you in Minnesota must be feeling and there is no relief from it all. never forget that you are not alone we are all standing with you, for what that’s worth and will continue fighting against this regime until we are all free of it.
I deeply appreciate your encouraging words and support.
We are enraged. We are also heartbroken. Beyond that, we are trying to figure out how we might be of actual aid to all of you.
First, contact your elected officials at the state and federal level repeatedly. Every day. Tell them to pull ICE out of Minnesota. Tell them to pull funding for ICE. Tell them this terrorization must end. Tell them to support humanity and decency rather than a man (and his minions) with a political agenda and a focus on power. Just stand up for the people and democracy with every bit of your being.
Spread the word about what’s happening in Minnesota, although everyone should know by now. This could be any community, city or state next.
Otherwise, make a financial gift to an organization in Minnesota that is providing food for families who are sheltering in place.
Thank you for caring and for asking.
Adurey, can you suggest an organization to whom we can donate?
Michael, can I email you privately using the email in this comment?
absolutely!
Just emailed you. The email includes links, so check your junk mail if it’s not in your in-box. Thank you so much for caring!