>>Protesters and Federal Agents Clash at Hotel near U of M Campus
(Minneapolis, MN) — Authorities are investigating a clash between protesters and federal agents Sunday night outside a hotel near the University of Minnesota campus. The protesters believed ICE agents were staying there, and some were seen breaking windows, vandalizing the hotel, and spray-painting anti-ICE slogans on vehicles. The Minneapolis Police Department called in the State Patrol and D-N-R for assistance. The Department of Public Safety said in a statement, “While they collaboratively worked to encircle the group for arrests because the demonstration was not peaceful, federal agents arrived without communication and deployed chemical irritants, clearing the group.”
>>President Trump Sending Border Czar to Minnesota
(Washington, DC) — President Donald Trump says he’s sending Border Czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to oversee ICE operations, calling him “tough but fair” and saying Homan will report directly to him. Trump also claimed a “major investigation” is underway into an alleged $20 billion welfare fraud in Minnesota, though state and federal officials have not confirmed this or clarified what investigation he meant. The president additionally said the D-O-J and members of Congress are examining Representative Ilhan Omar’s finances; Omar has denied previous allegations, and no federal findings have been made public. Trump ended his message by thanking supporters and saying, “Time will tell all.”
>>Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association Calls for Meeting with President Trump
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA) is requesting a meeting with President Donald Trump, saying communities across the state are experiencing heightened stress and uncertainty. In a news release Sunday, the association said officers are being asked to operate in increasingly complex, high, pressure environments and want to discuss those challenges directly with the president. M-C-P-A noted that effective policing relies on strong training, sound investigations, adherence to the rule of law, and coordination among local, state, and federal agencies.
>>Madel Ends GOP Campaign for Governor due to Operation Metro Surge
(Minneapolis, MN) — Republican candidate for governor Chris Madel is ending his campaign due to ICE’s Operation Metro Surge. Madel said in a video statement that he cannot support the national G-O-P’s, “stated retribution on the citizens of our state, nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so.” He adds that it’s unconstitutional to weaponize criminal investigations against political opponents and for ICE to raid homes with only a civil warrant. The Minneapolis attorney recently provided legal counsel to the ICE agent who fatally shot Renee Good.
>>MIRAC Rally Planned Outside Senator Klobuchar’s Office
(Minneapolis, MN) — MIRAC plans to rally outside Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Minneapolis office tonight (Mon 5 pm) in response to the recent surge of federal immigration enforcement in the state. The Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) says the rally is tied to ongoing federal budget negotiations in Congress, which include funding decisions for agencies under the Department of Homeland Security. ICE and Border Patrol activity has increased in the Twin Cities since December as part of what federal officials call Operation Metro Surge. MIRAC has held several demonstrations in recent weeks, including a large march on January 10th and participation in a statewide day of action on January 23rd.
>>MN Ag Commissioner Questions USDA Funding Freeze
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says he’s trying to understand why the Trump administration threatened to freeze $129 million in federal funding to the state. Petersen says the state Department of Agriculture was notified earlier this month and believes the decision may be tied to broader concerns about fraud in Minnesota programs. He said, “it’s tough to be singled out somewhat.” He stresses there is no fraud issue within his department. U-S-D-A has already reversed at least one freeze, restoring funds to the University of Minnesota’s poultry facility after a brief pause.
>>Suspect Arrested in Deadly Shooting Sunday Night in Rochester
(Rochester, MN) — Police in Rochester say a man is in custody after a deadly shooting Sunday night. Officers found the victim lying on the ground with gunshot wounds and he later died in the hospital. Authorities were called to the report of a man breaking into a home with a gun a few minutes after the shooting. Investigators say the alleged burglar was identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting. Preliminary information indicates the suspect and victim knew each other. No other information is being released.
>>New St. Louis County Program Aims to Improve Rural Medical Response Time
(Virginia, MN) — Northern St. Louis County is launching a new program aimed at improving emergency medical response times in rural areas. The Sprint Medic program is funded through the rural emergency medical services aid package approved by the legislature in 2024. Paramedics from the Virginia Fire Department will staff the units, which will be positioned in the Tower, Cook, Orr and Bois Forte areas. Each of the two Sprint Medics will operate an S-U-V outfitted with advanced life support equipment, allowing them to respond to emergencies immediately.
