Riots broke out in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 23, 2026, after anti-ICE agitators clashed with law enforcement. A Homeland Security Investigations officer suffered a severe injury when a rioter bit off the tip of his finger. The Department of Homeland Security released details on January 24, stating the officer will lose the whole finger due to the damage.
The attack took place outside a federal building, where protesters had gathered to rail against immigration enforcement. As officers moved in to restore order, the rioter struck, leaving one agent permanently maimed.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said the injury carries a high risk of infection. She described the act as barbaric and called for swift justice. The officer received immediate medical care at Hennepin County Medical Center.
Authorities arrested 12 rioters on charges including assault on federal officers. The biter faces additional felony counts for mayhem and battery. Pierce County Sheriff's Office assisted in the arrests.
President Trump posted images of the injury on Truth Social on January 24. He condemned the violence and praised the officer's service. The post garnered over 500,000 views in a matter of hours.
Conservative voices wasted no time pointing to the lingering effects of Biden-era policies, arguing that open borders have emboldened agitators to attack federal agents with impunity. Calls for mass deportations and a return to law and order flooded social media.
The officer, a 15-year veteran, remains in stable condition. DHS vowed full support for his recovery. The incident highlights dangers faced by immigration enforcement in hostile cities.
Minneapolis police chief Brian O'Hara finally spoke out on January 24, denouncing the violence and vowing that officers will not stand by while assaults occur.