Before fatal ICE shooting, Minnesota had become Trump target


Members of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conduct a raid as part of U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration policy in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 6, 2026. REUTERS/Tim Evans

Jan 9 (Reuters) - Months before a U.S. immigration agent fatally shot a ‌motorist in Minnesota on Wednesday, President Donald Trump had fixated on the state, repeatedly criticizing its Democratic leaders and the large Somali-American community there.

The president called Somali immigrants “garbage,” railed against a sprawling welfare-fraud ‌scandal and ridiculed Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat who ran on the party’s ticket in the 2024 presidential election against Trump. Minneapolis also was one of several Democratic-led cities subject ‌to major immigration crackdowns.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

US carrying out rescue effort after losing aircraft in Iraq, US military says
North Korea says Japan's missile expansion is raising regional security risks
Latvia's ex-president warns of U.S. trade weaponization
Chinese author highlights power of cross-cultural travel, AI in writing at London Book Fair
Iran not going to close Strait of Hormuz, Iran UN envoy says
Polish president vetoes EU defence loan bill
Colombia's Petro, Trump spoke on phone, Trump said Petro welcome in U.S
UN mission says Venezuela's repressive apparatus persists after Maduro ouster
Canada, Mexico say trilateral deal is key ahead of talks to review USMCA
U.S. stocks close lower

Others Also Read