The woman fatally shot in Minneapolis after allegedly attempting to ram her vehicle into Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents learned the hard way what “FAFO” means. But the fallout doesn’t stop there. Attention is now squarely on Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz—two Democrats whose rhetoric and actions are once again pushing the city toward chaos reminiscent of 2020.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that a “violent rioter” was shot and killed after she “weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them” during a targeted ICE enforcement operation. DHS classified the act as “domestic terrorism.”
According to the agency, an ICE officer—fearing for his life, the lives of fellow officers, and public safety—fired defensive shots. The officer “used his training and saved his own life and that of his fellow officers.” Several ICE officers were reportedly injured but are expected to make full recoveries. That’s called law enforcement doing its job.
Video footage of the incident reportedly shows officers instructing the woman to exit her vehicle before she accelerates and nearly strikes an agent positioned in front of her car. Despite this, Frey dismissed DHS’s self-defense account as “garbage.”
Then came the mayor’s now-infamous press conference. “To ICE, get the f– out of Minneapolis. We do not want you here,” Frey declared, accusing federal agents of making the city less safe. Strong words—especially in the immediate aftermath of an attack on law enforcement.
Frey and Walz have a long history of vilifying ICE for enforcing federal immigration law. Last year, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara even suggested residents call 911 on “masked” ICE agents who “may be kidnapping people,” advising the public to report them if they weren’t sure agents were legitimate. That guidance followed Frey’s accusations that ICE was targeting Somali people based on appearance.
Those statements sound uncomfortably close to obstruction—at minimum, aiding and abetting it. And there’s a recent reminder of how that can end. In neighboring Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan was convicted last month for obstructing ICE agents attempting to arrest an illegal immigrant and now faces up to five years in prison. A federal jury sent a clear message: no one is above the law.
Assaults on ICE agents have surged dramatically. DHS reported in November that “sanctuary politicians’ rhetoric” fueled a 1,150 percent increase in violence against ICE officers. Following Operation Metro Surge—an enforcement effort targeting what DHS called “the worst of the worst who flock to Minnesota because they know sanctuary politicians will protect them”—officials warned that hostile political messaging was putting officers at greater risk.
“Instead of thanking our law enforcement for removing criminals from their communities, Tim Walz and Jacob Frey continue to demonize our brave law enforcement,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said.
And here we are again, with violent rioters threatening federal agents in Minneapolis.
Walz responded by attacking DHS on social media, urging the public not to “believe this propaganda machine” and promising an investigation. But many remember what happened the last time Minnesota faced widespread unrest. During the 2020 riots, Walz and Frey were widely criticized for delayed responses, mixed messaging, and allowing destruction to spiral out of control. Frey even surrendered the city’s 3rd Precinct police station to rioters. Walz himself later acknowledged failures before ultimately praising Frey as the crisis continued.
History has a way of repeating itself when leaders refuse to learn from it.
The good news? Federal law enforcement remains committed to doing its job, and the Trump administration has made it clear that intimidation, riots, or political grandstanding will not stop immigration enforcement. Law, order, and accountability still matter—and with firm leadership standing behind America’s officers, there’s every reason to believe Minneapolis doesn’t have to relive the worst chapters of its past.
