In yet another episode of the American melodrama surrounding federal law enforcement and local politics, an incident in Minneapolis has everyone talking, shouting, and shaking their heads. A woman was fatally shot by ICE agents while allegedly attempting an illegal vehicular assault against officers during an operation in the city. The incident showcases a bizarre twist where rhetoric and reality clash, with Minneapolis officials and ICE agents caught in the crosshairs of public opinion and political grandstanding.

For those just tuning in, January 6 was the one day a year when some folks on the left dust off their “Back the Blue” sentiments. By January 7, however, it’s back to the usual script for many, criticizing federal law enforcement at every turn. Enter the chaos in Minneapolis, where ICE officers found themselves in a frosty confrontation that turned hotter than a summer day in South Dakota.

Here’s the story: ICE agents were stuck in the snow during an operation in Minneapolis, just going about their day trying to make arrests. Things took a dark turn when a mob of protesters began to block and attack the vehicles. One particularly fiery protester, driving an SUV, decided she had an alternative use for her vehicle—plowing directly into ICE agents who were trying to carry out their duties. The woman was reportedly armed and didn’t comply with the officers’ orders, leading to tragic repercussions.

Local politicians in Minneapolis, predictably, were quick to voice their outrage at the presence of federal agents in the city, yet conspicuously silent about the seriousness of anyone using a vehicle as a weapon. Perhaps they’re afraid that acknowledging such facts might chip away at their political platform. The mayor seemed more concerned about the optics of ICE being there rather than the implications of citizens attacking federal officers. In a classic move of deflection, he called for ICE to leave town but had no comments on the legality of trying to run them over.

Finally, the situation has put a glaring spotlight on the massive gap between rhetoric and consequences. As the debate rages on, one thing’s clear: It’s never okay to assault law enforcement officials, regardless of which side of the political aisle you’re on. As the citizens of Minneapolis sort through the aftermath, maybe next time there will be a moment of realization that playing politics with safety and law enforcement is rarely a winning move. The moral of the story? Agreements about the role of ICE can wait, but the rule of law must always take center stage.