Minnesota Leaders Under Fire for Failing to Calm Protests After Minneapolis Federal Shooting

Rep. Mark Harris, R-N.C., sharply criticized Minnesota political leaders on Saturday for their response to protests that erupted following a U.S. Border Patrol agent’s fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man during an operation in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Harris described the unrest as “tragedy on top of tragedy,” stating that state and city officials have “inflam[ed] the kind of activity” unfolding on the streets. He accused elected leaders of failing to de-escalate the situation, instead exacerbating violence against federal law enforcement.

The incident occurred after the Border Patrol agent shot the man during a confrontation in Minneapolis on Saturday, sparking large protests across the city. Federal officials reported that the man was armed and resisted disarmament, though local accounts and bystander videos have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the encounter.

Harris cited dramatic spikes in violence against immigration agents, including a “1,300% increase in attacks on ICE agents,” more than “3,000% increase in attacks with automobiles,” and over an “8,000% increase in terms of death threats.” He stated law enforcement officers should not be subjected to such violence and blamed Minnesota leadership for the unrest.

“It’s tragic that any individual would somehow confront police officers with a weapon,” Harris added. “Because let’s face it, when you confront police officers with a weapon, you have started a gunfight and somebody is going to lose.”

Harris called it “shame on them” for Minnesota leaders failing to step in and de-escalate the situation.

The Minneapolis incident marks the second major shooting involving federal immigration agents in the city this month. Earlier in January, a 37-year-old woman named Renee Good was killed by an ICE agent during a separate enforcement action, triggering protests and political backlash.

Protests have been large and confrontational, with demonstrators denouncing federal presence and tactics. Minnesota’s governor and city leaders have condemned the shootings and called for investigations while urging peaceful demonstrations and First Amendment protections without violence.