JD Vance Defends ICE Agent After Minnesota Shooting, Escalates Political Fight. JD Vance Defends ICE Agent After Minnesota Shooting, Escalates Political Fight. Speaking at the White House, Vance called the death “a tragedy” but placed responsibility on the woman who was killed, backing the ICE officer involved. The shooting occurred amid a major federal deployment, with around 2,000 immigration officers sent to the Minneapolis area by the Trump administration. Vance challenged Democrats on social media, daring them to say whether the ICE agent was wrong for “defending his life,” sharpening partisan divisions. Video footage of the shooting circulated widely online, fueling polarized reactions over the agent’s actions and the broader immigration crackdown. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the incident as a “brazen use of force,” warning that political statements from the administration could undermine a fair investigation. Vance’s aggressive defense echoes his campaign strategy from 2024, when he repeatedly accused Democrats of failing to support law enforcement during past unrest in Minnesota. As immigration enforcement intensifies nationwide, critics warn that the administration’s response risks alienating voters beyond its core base, with polls showing slipping approval on the issue.