Minneapolis Protests: Teargas Deployed Amid Immigration Tensions – Scary Details Emerge (Report)

Tensions in Minneapolis reached a boiling point on January 15, 2026, as protests erupted outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building following a chaotic ICE shooting the night before.

Federal agents deployed tear gas to disperse dozens of demonstrators confronting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, marking the second high-profile incident in a week amid President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation push.

Minneapolis ICE Shooting Sparks Protests: Tear Gas Deployed After Venezuelan Migrants Attack Agent with Shovel and Broom – Walz Urges Trump to “Turn the Temperature Down”

The shooting involved Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, who DHS claims was shot in the leg in self-defense after he and two accomplices allegedly ambushed an ICE agent with a snow shovel and broom handle.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released detailed accounts and mugshots on January 15, identifying the three men—all undocumented Venezuelans released into the U.S. under the Biden administration—as Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis (entered August 2022, prior convictions for driving without a license and giving false name to police), Alfredo Alejandro Ajorna (entered May 2023, failed to appear for immigration hearing, issued removal order), and Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledezma (entered May 2023, marked non-enforcement priority).

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem labeled the assault “an attempted murder,” stating: “Our officer was ambushed and attacked by three individuals who beat him with snow shovels and the handles of brooms.”

Timeline of the Minneapolis ICE Shooting

According to DHS and corroborated by USA Today, New York Times, and FOX 9 reports:

• 6:50 p.m. CT, January 14: ICE agents conducted a targeted traffic stop on Sosa-Celis in north Minneapolis.
• Sosa-Celis fled, crashed into a parked car, and ran on foot.
• An officer pursued and attempted arrest; Sosa-Celis resisted and assaulted the agent during a ground struggle.
• Ajorna and Ledezma emerged from a nearby apartment, attacking the officer with a snow shovel and broom handle. Sosa-Celis broke free and joined the beating.
• Fearing for his life, the officer fired one defensive shot, striking Sosa-Celis in the leg (non-life-threatening).
• The three barricaded in the apartment; agents entered, arresting all. The officer and Sosa-Celis were hospitalized (officer badly beaten); Ajorna and Ledezma taken into ICE custody.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described post-shooting gatherings as “unlawful behavior,” while the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) launched a use-of-force probe. This follows a January 7 fatal ICE shooting of local activist Renee Nicole Good, fueling “ICE Out of Minnesota” rallies.

Protests Escalate: Tear Gas and Vandalism in Minneapolis

Protests turned volatile Wednesday night into Thursday, with crowds vandalizing federal vehicles (graffiti: “Hang Kristi Noem,” “Only Good Agent Is a Dead One,” “F**k ICE”) and blocking roads. AP photos (Adam Gray, John Locher) captured tear gas clouds and masked agents clashing near the federal building. Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino confirmed arrests for road blockages, noting “out-of-state” agitators and probes into aiding groups.

By January 15 afternoon, demonstrations persisted, with Minnesota legislators (Rep. Jamie Long, Sens. Omar Fateh, Bobby Joe Champion) announcing a 2026 bill for justice against federal rights violations. Sahan Journal images showed shattered windows at the shooting duplex and BCA vans on scene.

Trump deployed ~3,000 federal agents to Minneapolis—dwarfing local police—threatening the Insurrection Act for military intervention if unrest continues. “Corrupt politicians of Minnesota must obey the law and stop” protests, he posted on Truth Social.

Political Firestorm: Walz vs. Trump on Minneapolis Tensions

Governor Tim Walz issued a direct plea: “I am making a direct appeal to the president: Let’s turn the temperature down. Stop this campaign of retribution. This is not who we are.” He urged Minnesotans: “I know this is scary. We can – we must – speak out loudly, urgently, but also peacefully. We cannot fan the flames of chaos. That’s what he [Trump] wants” (Guardian, NYT, Politico).

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt fired back: Walz should “stop inciting the harassment and illegal obstruction of law enforcement” and cooperate for safety. DHS blamed Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey’s “hateful rhetoric” for a 1,300% rise in assaults on federal officers.

Walz accused feds of “organized brutality,” calling for agent withdrawal. Critics like X user @GrageDustin blamed Walz’s past “fascist” labels on Trump for consequences.

Broader Immigration Context and Implications

This marks the second ICE shooting in Minneapolis amid Trump’s mass deportations and visa suspensions for 75 countries. DHS ties the men’s entry to Biden-era policies, noting Sosa-Celis was released pre-ICE detainer. Protests echo Portland unrest, with MIRAC rallies drawing thousands.

No deaths from tear gas; investigations ongoing. Frey urged calm, neighbors cleaned debris January 15.

Sources: The Guardian (Jan 15 live blog), DHS press release, USA Today, NYT, FOX 9, Washington Times, Heavy.com equivalents, X posts (@AliBradleyTV et al.). Verified via real-time searches January 15, 2026, 3:00 PM CST.

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