In a heartbreaking escalation of tensions amid ongoing immigration enforcement operations, Kai Collier, the younger brother of WNBA standout Napheesa Collier, was fatally shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents yesterday in south Minneapolis. The incident, captured on multiple bystander videos, has ignited widespread outrage and calls for accountability, marking the latest in a string of controversial confrontations in the city.
Eyewitnesses report that the tragedy unfolded around midday on January 24 near Nicollet Avenue, where ICE agents were conducting raids as part of a broader crackdown. Kai, a 29-year-old former Lindenwood University football player and local resident with a degree in mathematics and science, was described as a “legal observer” assisting a woman who had been pushed down and pepper-sprayed by officers. According to accounts, agents tackled Kai after he attempted to help, removed his legally permitted firearm from its holster, and then fired multiple shots while he was on the ground.
“He was just trying to protect someone in need,” said a witness who filmed the event. “They beat him, took his gun, and executed him right there. It was murder.”
Napheesa Collier, the Minnesota Lynx forward and Olympic gold medalist, shared her devastation in a statement: “Kai was my rock, a loving brother who always stood up for what’s right. This senseless loss shatters our family. We demand justice and an end to this brutality.” The Collier family, originally from Missouri, has roots in community service, with Kai known for his vocal support of his sister’s career.
The shooting has drawn parallels to the earlier killing of Renee Good by ICE agents on January 7, fueling protests that drew hundreds despite frigid temperatures. Demonstrators chanted for reform, clashing with law enforcement who deployed tear gas. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the “federal overreach,” activating the National Guard to maintain order while urging a federal investigation.
Federal officials maintain that Kai posed an “imminent threat,” citing reports of him reaching for a weapon. However, videos contradict this, showing him holding only a phone. Civil rights groups, including the ACLU, have labeled it a violation of First and Second Amendment rights.
As investigations begin, the incident highlights growing concerns over aggressive tactics in urban areas. The Collier family plans a vigil tonight, calling for unity against violence. “Kai’s legacy will live on in our fight for a better world,” Napheesa added
About the Author
