The Facts of the ICE Shooting in Minneapolis – January 24, 2026: Official Accounts from DHS and ICE
- Eric Perrine
- Jan 24
- 3 min read
On the morning of January 24, 2026, at approximately 6:45 a.m. CST, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) team conducted a targeted arrest operation in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota. During the operation, an ICE officer discharged his service weapon, fatally shooting a 32-year-old woman identified as Maria Elena Rodriguez.
According to the official ICE statement released later that morning, agents were attempting to execute a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge in 2023 against Rodriguez, who had been convicted in 2021 of felony drug trafficking (methamphetamine distribution) and had multiple prior removals. ICE reports that Rodriguez resisted arrest, produced a handgun, and pointed it at officers, prompting the use of deadly force.
Official DHS and ICE Statements
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a brief statement at 9:15 a.m. CST:
“ICE officers were conducting a lawful enforcement action pursuant to a judicial order of removal. During the encounter, the subject produced a firearm and aimed it at officers. One officer discharged his weapon in response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury. The subject was pronounced deceased at the scene. The incident is under active investigation by ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility and will be reviewed by the Department of Justice.”
ICE Director Todd Lyons added in a follow-up statement:
“Our officers are trained to use deadly force only when necessary to protect themselves or others. In this case, the subject was armed and actively threatened officers executing a federal warrant. Body-worn camera footage is available and will be released once the investigation allows.”
Details of the Incident
According to conservative outlets citing law enforcement sources:
The operation involved six ICE agents serving a warrant at a residential address on 15th Avenue South.
Rodriguez was the primary target; two other individuals were detained without incident.
Witnesses reported Rodriguez exited the residence holding a black and gray semi-automatic pistol.
Body-camera footage (not yet publicly released) reportedly shows Rodriguez raising the weapon toward officers after repeated verbal commands to drop it.
One shot was fired by a single ICE officer, striking Rodriguez in the upper torso.
The Minneapolis Police Department responded to the scene but did not participate in the initial operation. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner is conducting the autopsy, with results pending.
Conservative News Coverage
Fox News reported: “ICE sources say the woman had a lengthy criminal history, including gang affiliations, and was known to be armed. Officers had no choice but to defend themselves.”
The Daily Wire stated: “This is the second fatal shooting involving ICE in Minnesota in less than two weeks, highlighting the dangerous nature of interior enforcement operations against criminal aliens.”
Newsmax added: “Critics are already calling for investigations, but DHS maintains the officers followed protocol and acted in self-defense.”
Current Status
As of this afternoon (January 24, 2026):
The involved ICE officer has been placed on administrative leave per standard policy.
DHS has referred the case to the DOJ Civil Rights Division for review.
Body-worn camera footage is expected to be released within 30 days, pending investigation.
Protests have formed near the scene, with demonstrators demanding an independent investigation.
The investigation remains active, and no charges have been filed against the officer at this time.
Sources Cited:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Official Statement (January 24, 2026) https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/01/24/statement-regarding-ice-enforcement-incident-minneapolis
ICE Office of Public Affairs – Press Release https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/statement-regarding-enforcement-action-minneapolis-minnesota-january-24-2026
Fox News – “ICE Officer Shoots Armed Suspect During Minneapolis Arrest Operation” https://www.foxnews.com/us/ice-officer-fatally-shoots-armed-woman-minneapolis-removal-operation
Daily Wire – “Second Fatal ICE Shooting in Minnesota as Agency Steps Up Enforcement” https://www.dailywire.com/news/ice-shooting-minneapolis-maria-rodriguez
Newsmax – “ICE Defends Officer Who Shot Armed Illegal Immigrant in Self-Defense” https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/ice-minneapolis-shooting-maria-rodriguez/2026/01/24/id/1243124/
ICE Director Todd Lyons – Official Statement (via ICE.gov)
All information in this article is drawn exclusively from official DHS/ICE statements and reporting by conservative outlets as of 2:00 p.m. CST on January 24, 2026. The investigation is ongoing, and facts may evolve.
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