Video from Minneapolis shows protesters spray-painting threatening anti-ICE slogans on a vehicle believed to be used by federal officers; the vehicle’s driver-side window was reportedly smashed and at least two other vehicles were damaged. The unrest followed an earlier DHS account that an ICE agent shot a man from Venezuela in the leg after an alleged ambush involving a shovel and two other attackers. Authorities declared an unlawful assembly, detained at least two people after fireworks were thrown, and urged residents to remain peaceful as investigations continue.
‘Only Good Agent Is A Dead One’ Spray-Painted on Federal Vehicle During Minneapolis Unrest
A vehicle sits damaged after rioters broke into it and spray-painted a threatening anti-ICE message during unrest in Minneapolis.
Video from Wednesday night in Minneapolis shows protesters vandalizing a vehicle believed to belong to federal officers and spray-painting a threatening anti-ICE message across its side during unrest, local footage and reports show.
What the Video Shows
The clip captures a vandal using red paint to write the words "Only good agent is a dead one" along the side of the vehicle; a separate obscenity targeting ICE was also spray-painted. The footage does not show anyone inside the vehicle at the time. Observers reported the driver’s window appeared smashed and the exterior showed extensive damage, including torn panels and loose materials. At least two other vehicles in the area were damaged.
An agitator spray-paints a car in Minneapolis on Wednesday. The area was under attack by agitators following an ICE-involved shooting during a traffic stop.
Tensions Escalate
Scores of demonstrators gathered at the scene, shouting expletives at federal agents and demanding they leave the city, according to local reporting. As tensions escalated, federal officers deployed tear gas and flash-bang devices to disperse the crowd. Some protesters responded by firing fireworks and throwing other projectiles toward law enforcement.
Arrests and Official Response
Local officials said at least two people were detained after fireworks were thrown. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the gathering as crossing the line into an unlawful assembly, prompting assistance from the Minnesota State Patrol and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. Mayor Jacob Frey urged residents to remain peaceful and warned people not to "take the bait."
A damaged SUV in the northeastern section of Minneapolis, on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. At least three vehicles were damaged.
Related Shooting Incident
The unrest followed an earlier shooting Minneapolis that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said involved an ICE agent and an individual described by DHS as an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela. According to DHS, federal officers conducted a targeted traffic stop at about 6:50 p.m.; the suspect fled in a vehicle, crashed into a parked car and ran on foot.
An officer who caught up to the suspect allegedly faced resistance and an assault during an attempted arrest. DHS says two additional people then joined the confrontation and attacked the officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle. Fearing for his life while being assaulted by three people, the agent fired a single defensive shot that struck the suspect in the leg.
Scenes of vandalism Wednesday in Minneapolis, where agitators can be seen vandalizing a car.
All three individuals fled into an apartment and barricaded themselves before being taken into custody. DHS said both the officer and the suspect were transported to a hospital and that the man’s injuries were not life-threatening.
Context
Anti-ICE demonstrations in Minneapolis have intensified in recent days after the fatal shooting last week of Renee Nicole Good during a federal immigration enforcement operation. Officials and community leaders continue to urge calm while investigations proceed into both the shooting and the subsequent unrest.
Note: Details above are based on DHS statements, local reporting and video footage of the scene. Investigations are ongoing.
Help us improve.
