Chaos erupted in South Minneapolis Saturday after a Border Patrol-involved shooting sent shockwaves through the city. Federal officers were quickly overwhelmed by hundreds of agitators as an initially curious crowd spiraled into a hostile mob, obstructing the crime scene, attacking law enforcement, and clashing with agents in a fast-escalating street riot.
According to DHS officials, approximately 200 rioters descended on the location within minutes of the shooting, surrounding law enforcement vehicles, blocking streets, and physically confronting federal officers who were attempting to investigate the incident. Border Patrol and ICE agents were forced to deploy tear gas to hold back the mob and secure the area.
The violence ignited following a federal operation targeting an illegal alien reportedly wanted for violent assault. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the suspect approached agents with a 9mm Sig Sauer pistol and resisted attempts to disarm him. Fearing for their lives, agents opened fire. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, with two loaded magazines also found on his body.
Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Greg Bovino later described the incident as an attempted massacre of federal agents, saying the individual “wanted to do maximum damage.” DHS confirmed that medics on scene rendered aid, but the suspect was beyond saving. He carried no identification.
Videos circulating on social media show the volatile aftermath: agents being swarmed, tear gas clouds engulfing protesters, and injured agitators being carried away by federal officers. One anti-ICE protester reportedly suffered a broken leg during the mayhem.
Officials blame Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for allowing tensions to boil over, claiming their refusal to acknowledge the suspect’s armed status fueled outrage and misinformation.
Saturday’s riot marks yet another flashpoint in the ongoing national conflict over immigration enforcement. As federal agents face growing hostility, DHS warns that the climate in Minneapolis—and other cities—is rapidly becoming too dangerous for lawful operations.
