Tampa, FL – Protesters in the Tampa Bay area took to the streets this weekend following the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman during a federal immigration enforcement operation, an incident that has triggered demonstrations across the country.
The gatherings in Tampa and St. Petersburg were organized to demand answers and accountability after the woman was killed earlier this week in Minnesota.
According to authorities, the victim was a 37 year old mother who was inside her vehicle when an officer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement allegedly fired his weapon.
Federal officials have said the agent believed his life was in danger at the time of the shooting. Local and state leaders in Minnesota have called for a thorough and transparent investigation into what happened.
Court and arrest documents state that the officer was involved in a targeted enforcement action when the encounter occurred. Investigators are reviewing body camera footage, witness statements and other evidence to determine whether the use of force was justified.
The officer has not been publicly charged as of this writing, and the case remains under active review.
In Tampa, demonstrators marched near downtown and outside government buildings, holding signs and chanting for justice.
In St. Petersburg, a separate gathering included a vigil to honor the victim.
Police reported that the protests remained peaceful and no major incidents or arrests were reported.
The Tampa Bay demonstrations are part of a wider national response, with similar protests taking place in multiple cities as the investigation continues.