WCCO Original "A January Night" Captures Minneapolis ICE Shooting Aftermath

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In a WCCO Original documentary titled "A January Night", photojournalist Tom Aviles provides an inside look at the aftermath of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shooting a Venezuelan national in Minneapolis. The film captures the tense confrontations between federal agents and protesters, including the use of flash bangs, tear gas, and other force. It also introduces community members who felt compelled to stand up for their neighbors and fight for their beliefs.

Why it matters

The ICE shooting incident and subsequent protests highlighted the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local communities in Minneapolis, where Operation Metro Surge had brought thousands of federal agents to the area in recent months, leading to two fatal shootings and the detention of many immigrants.

The details

On January 14th, an ICE agent shot a Venezuelan national in the leg near North Sixth Street and North 24th Avenue, sparking outrage in the community. While federal officials initially accused the man of assaulting ICE officers, those charges were later dropped due to "newly discovered evidence" that contradicted the allegations. About a month later, two ICE officers were placed on administrative leave and under investigation for allegedly lying under oath about the incident. The shooting led to a large protest at the scene, with demonstrators clashing with law enforcement into the early morning hours. During the protests, two FBI vehicles were vandalized and a man was accused of stealing a rifle and suppressor from one of them. A Minneapolis family also reported that ICE agents released tear gas under their vehicle while their six children, including an infant, were inside, leaving the baby unconscious and foaming at the mouth.

• On January 14th, an ICE agent shot a Venezuelan national in the leg near North Sixth Street and North 24th Avenue.
• About a month after the shooting, two ICE officers were placed on administrative leave and under investigation for allegedly lying under oath about the incident.

What they’re saying

What’s next

It took nearly a month and a second killing by federal agents for officials to announce the end of Operation Metro Surge, though many community members remain distrustful and fearful.