Minnesota Governor Walz Condemns Trump Administration’s “Reality TV” Tactics After Fatal Minneapolis ICE Shooting
By Jamie Lee | January 7, 2026
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Wednesday condemned the Trump administration for what he called reckless federal operations that led to a fatal shooting involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis.
A woman who was killed during an ICE operation described her actions as “weaponizing her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them — an act of domestic terrorism,” according to Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, in a post on X.
Federal authorities have not disclosed the woman’s name.
Walz focused his remarks on the family of the victim, stating they learned of the shooting “on national television” and expressing anger over months of escalating federal tactics.
“We’ve been warning for weeks that the Trump administration’s dangerous, sensationalized operations are a threat to public safety,” Walz said.
“Yesterday, I said exactly that — someone was going to get hurt. Today, that recklessness cost someone their life.”
Walz accused the administration of governing “by reality TV,” prioritizing headlines over public safety. He stated he had attempted to contact Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem but was awaiting a response, adding that Minnesota does not require further federal involvement.
“You’ve done enough,” Walz said, addressing both Noem and President Donald Trump directly.
The governor emphasized that state authorities are handling the investigation, with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension leading the inquiry and the state’s Emergency Operations Center activated.
Walz reported that the Minnesota State Patrol, National Guard leadership, and law enforcement agencies across the Twin Cities are coordinating efforts.
He also issued a warning order for the Minnesota National Guard, clarifying it is a preparatory measure, not an immediate deployment.
“Guard members are our neighbors,” Walz said. “Teachers, business owners, construction workers — Minnesotans.”
While acknowledging public anger, Walz urged residents to remain calm and protest peacefully.
“They want us to turn against each other,” he added. “We can’t give them that.”
Walz framed the incident as a national issue, asking Americans to “stand with Minneapolis” while insisting Minnesota would not allow itself to be “used as a prop in a national political fight.”
He stated his administration will continue pursuing accountability and provide updates as more information becomes available.
