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DOJ Declines Civil Rights Probe into ICE Shooting

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 14:52 GMT by 7News Miami
      Locale: Minnesota, UNITED STATES

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - January 30th, 2026 - A decision by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to close its preliminary assessment and decline a federal civil rights investigation into the 2023 shooting of an undocumented migrant by an ICE officer in Minnesota continues to spark controversy and reignite the debate surrounding ICE accountability and the use of force during enforcement actions. The incident, which occurred in September 2023, immediately drew criticism from immigrant rights advocates and prompted calls for a full federal investigation.

The DOJ's announcement, made earlier today, states that a preliminary review of evidence uncovered no grounds to pursue a civil rights probe. An official, speaking to the Associated Press, reiterated the department's acknowledgement of the incident's gravity, but emphasized that current evidence does not indicate a violation of federal civil rights laws.

This decision stands in contrast to the demands of several advocacy groups, including the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) and National Immigration Law Center (NILC), who have consistently argued that the shooting demands scrutiny at the federal level. They cite concerns about potential racial profiling, excessive force, and a lack of transparency in ICE operations.

"We are deeply disappointed by the DOJ's decision," said Sofia Ramirez, Director of MIRAC, in a press conference held this afternoon. "This sends a dangerous message that the lives of undocumented individuals are less valued and that ICE officers are not subject to the same level of accountability as other law enforcement agencies. The lack of a full federal investigation denies the victim and his family the justice they deserve."

The incident itself remains shrouded in some mystery. Initial reports indicate the ICE officer was responding to a reported disturbance when the shooting occurred. However, details regarding the nature of the "call," the specific circumstances leading to the use of deadly force, and the identity of the victim remain limited. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the state-level investigation.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is currently leading that investigation and, according to their latest statement, is focusing on reconstructing the events leading up to the shooting, gathering witness testimony, and analyzing forensic evidence. ICE has stated it is fully cooperating with the BCA. However, critics argue that relying solely on a state-level investigation is insufficient, given the federal nature of ICE's authority and the potential for bias.

This case arrives amidst a broader national conversation about the role of ICE and its increasing enforcement activities. Over the past several years, ICE arrests and deportations have surged, fueled by stricter immigration policies and increased funding. This has led to heightened fear and anxiety within immigrant communities and growing concerns about due process violations. Recent reports from Human Rights Watch detail numerous instances of ICE officers operating without proper oversight or adhering to established protocols regarding the use of force.

Legal experts are divided on the DOJ's decision. Some argue that the department rightly determined there wasn't enough evidence to pursue a civil rights investigation at this stage. Others contend that the DOJ's standard for initiating such investigations is too high, particularly in cases involving vulnerable populations like undocumented immigrants. "The DOJ often prioritizes resource allocation to cases with a higher likelihood of success," explained Professor Eleanor Vance, a constitutional law expert at the University of Minnesota. "However, that doesn't diminish the importance of investigating potential civil rights abuses, especially when they involve federal agencies like ICE."

The lack of publicly available information surrounding the shooting is also fueling distrust. Activists are demanding greater transparency from both ICE and the DOJ, including the release of body camera footage, witness statements, and the full investigative report from the BCA. They also call for a complete review of ICE's use of force policies and training procedures.

The outcome of the BCA's investigation is anticipated in the coming months. However, the decision by the DOJ to forgo a federal civil rights probe has already intensified pressure on ICE to demonstrate accountability and address concerns about its practices. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges surrounding immigration enforcement and the critical need for oversight and transparency to ensure the protection of civil rights for all, regardless of immigration status.