The fatal shooting of a 37-year-old protester during an ICE operation in Minneapolis prompted swift nationwide mobilization by a range of left-leaning activist groups. Federal authorities said the ICE operation involved roughly 2,000 personnel and that video of the encounter circulated online; an official investigation is ongoing. Activist organizations including Indivisible, Refuse Fascism and the Party for Socialism and Liberation issued emergency calls and urged street protests, while officials have asked the public to await the results of the inquiry.
Left-Wing Networks Mobilize Nationwide After Fatal Minneapolis Shooting During ICE Operation
A network of organizations published anti-ICE social media posts on Wednesday, immediately following the shooting of a protester, who allegedly tried to run over ICE agents.
Within hours of a fatal shooting during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Minneapolis, a broad network of left-leaning activist groups mobilized online and in the streets across the United States.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the woman killed was 37 years old. Federal authorities said the incident occurred shortly after 11:00 a.m. ET and that the ICE officers were part of a larger operation in the Twin Cities involving roughly 2,000 personnel. Officials said video of the encounter circulated online and that an investigation into the circumstances of the shooting is ongoing.
What Happened
Federal authorities contend the woman attempted to drive into ICE agents during the operation; law enforcement said an agent fired and the woman was struck in the head and later pronounced dead at Hennepin County Medical Center. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the woman was shot and that an investigation is underway. Local and federal officials have urged patience while investigators review video and interview witnesses.
Rapid Reaction and Calls for Protests
Almost immediately after news of the shooting spread, a range of activist organizations — representing causes from socialism and climate action to Palestinian rights and pro-Democratic groups — issued online statements and calls for demonstrations. Many posts used urgent language such as “get in the streets now,” “hit the streets,” and “get to the White House ASAP,” according to a sentiment analysis of related social media activity.
Members of law enforcement work the scene following a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal operations on January 7, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
"I have just viewed the clip of the event which took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is a horrible thing to watch," former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, offering his interpretation of footage. The post characterized the encounter and those involved; the video remains part of the official investigation.
Groups that posted or promoted emergency rallies included Refuse Fascism, Indivisible, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, Fight For A Future, the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and the Palestinian Youth Movement. Several local and national accounts promoted an "emergency rally" in New York City's Foley Square and other planned demonstrations in cities such as Columbus, Ohio.
Some posts targeted public officials. For example, an image circulated depicting Governor Kristi Noem (a prominent Republican figure) with graphics implying condemnation; the post appeared on accounts aligned with activist organizing. Multiple organizers framed the event as an example of systemic wrongdoing and urged immediate protest while others called for restraint until investigators complete their review.
Context and Next Steps
Authorities emphasize the investigation remains active. Witness statements, officers' accounts and available video will be reviewed before final determinations are made. Organizers and critics say the shooting highlights longstanding tensions around immigration enforcement and protest policing; law enforcement and community leaders have signaled both a need for transparency and for peaceful demonstrations.
Note: This report summarizes public statements and social media activity in the immediate aftermath of the incident. Key facts — including the precise sequence of events and official findings — are subject to change as investigators publish their conclusions.
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