Congressional Republicans defend ICE as Democrats rage over Minneapolis shooting

Republicans on Capitol Hill rushed to the defense of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers Wednesday following the fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis that left Democrats outraged.Why it matters: Republicans are largely leaning on the Department of Homeland Security's account of the incident, while Democrats are pointing to a video they say disproves ICE's claims of self-defense.Among the Republicans defending ICE after the shooting are several members of leadership, including Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) and House Republican conference chair Lisa McClain (R-Mich.)."Our brave ICE agents put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities from dangerous criminals. May God bless and protect them in their efforts," Emmer said in a statement.What happened: An ICE officer shot and killed a 37-year-old woman who drove her vehicle close to federal agents Wednesday morning, Axios' Nick Halter and Kyle Stokes reported.DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement: "An ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots."Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, citing video of the incident, called that account "bullshit," telling reporters, "Having seen the video myself ... this was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying."In a video viewed by Axios — filmed a short distance from the scene — someone yells, "Hey!" and gunshots are audible as a dark-colored SUV attempts to drive past a gathering of ICE agents and vehicles.What they're saying: "This is what happens when Democrats continue to DEMONIZE LAW ENFORCEMENT," McClain said in a post on X responding to McLaughlin's statement. "Praying for all our brave ICE agents who are working to keep us safe."The House Republican conference's official X account similarly replied to McLaughlin's statement with a pro-ICE graphic and the caption: "REPOST IF YOU STAND WITH ICE 🇺🇸"Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.) called the incident a "targeted assault on ICE agents" and said she stands "with the officer who acted in self-defense to save lives."Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said: "It appears to, I guess, anybody who sees the video from certain angles, that the driver of the vehicle weaponized that vehicle against law enforcement officers."The other side: Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), who represents Minneapolis, called the shooting "unconscionable and reprehensible" and called for a "full, comprehensive investigation and legal action" against ICE."The masked ICE agent who pulled the trigger should be criminally investigated to the full extent of the law," said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) both proposed voting down any DHS appropriations bill that "doesn't restrain the growing lawlessness" of ICE.Several Democratic lawmakers also called for ICE to withdraw from Minneapolis and other major American cities, with Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) saying the agency is "needlessly causing chaos in Minnesota."— Axios' Kate Santaliz contributed reporting. Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.