New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani sharply condemned federal immigration enforcement operations following the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis man by U.S. Border Patrol agents, calling for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and renewing criticism of the agency’s role in communities nationwide.
“As tens of thousands across America protest the violence that ICE sows with impunity, federal agents shot and killed another person in Minneapolis today,” Mamdani wrote on social media, characterizing the incident as part of a broader pattern of harm by federal immigration units. “ICE terrorizes our cities. ICE puts us all in danger. Abolish ICE.”
As tens of thousands across America protest the violence that ICE sows with impunity, federal agents shot and killed another person in Minneapolis today.⁰⁰ICE terrorizes our cities. ICE puts us all in danger. Abolish ICE.
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) January 24, 2026
The shooting occurred January 24 during an aggressive immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis that has drawn national attention and local outcry. According to federal officials, Border Patrol officers fired defensive shots after an armed individual approached them with a 9 mm semi‑automatic handgun and two magazines during a targeted operation in the city. The man was pronounced dead at the scene by medics.
#Internacional 🤬 Más de 6 agentes de ICE forcejearon con un hombre para someterlo, en calles de Mineápolis, Minesota, al no conseguirlo le disparan en repetidas ocasiones, la persona falleció en el lugar. pic.twitter.com/F1GrHGUnSE
— Callejero Noticias (@CallejeroPue) January 24, 2026
In Minneapolis, the incident has heightened already intense tensions between local leaders and federal authorities. Thousands of residents previously gathered in subzero temperatures to protest a surge of roughly 3,000 federal agents deployed under Operation Metro Surge, demanding an end to ICE and Customs and Border Protection operations in the state.
Mamdani’s remarks reflect deep frustration among some national and local politicians who view federal immigration enforcement as dangerously militarized and disconnected from community safety. His call to abolish ICE echoes similar demands from activists and lawmakers in other cities who believe the agency’s presence escalates conflict rather than protects residents.
The Minneapolis shooting was the second fatal confrontation involving federal agents in the city in recent weeks, following the January 7 killing of Renée Good, a 37‑year‑old U.S. citizen whose death further fueled protests and political criticism.
Mayor Mamdani’s statement adds to a chorus of voices — including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other Democratic leaders — calling for federal enforcement actions to cease amid ongoing unrest and demands for local control over public safety.
The event continues to draw national debate over the role and scope of federal immigration enforcement in U.S. cities, as officials at all levels grapple with public safety, civil liberties, and the constitutional boundaries of law enforcement authority.
