>>Ellison Backs Lawsuit Challenging DHS Refugee Operation
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed an amicus brief supporting a class-action lawsuit challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s Operation PARRIS, which targets refugees living legally in Minnesota. Operation PARRIS, launched alongside Operation Metro Surge, brought about 3,000 D-H-S agents into the state and focuses on roughly 5,600 refugees who have not yet received green cards. Ellison argues the operation is unlawful, creates fear in immigrant communities, and harms Minnesota’s economy, public services, and civic life. He is urging the court to issue a preliminary injunction to stop the operation.
>>Small Business Owners Warn Economic Risks Rising Due to ICE
(St. Paul, MN) — Small business owners in Minnesota say ongoing federal immigration enforcement is worsening economic instability, despite claims of reduced activity. Preliminary estimates show significant losses. The City of Minneapolis reports $10 to $20 million in small business losses each week, with commercial corridors statewide facing tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue over recent months. Owners say fear linked to enforcement is keeping customers away and disrupting workforces. Economic development leaders warn continued enforcement could undermine long-term recovery, jobs, and local tax bases.
>>Jan. 6 Rioter Lang Charged with Felony Property Damage of Ice Sculpture
(St. Paul, MN) — Pardoned January 6th rioter Jake Lang is now charged with felony first-degree damage to property for destroying a six-thousand-dollar ice sculpture at the State Capitol. Lang posted a video on social media Thursday showing himself kicking over letters of the sculpture that read, “Prosecute ICE, ” leaving it saying, “Pro ICE.” He was released from jail Friday afternoon and the judge banned him from being within three blocks of the State Capitol. His next court hearing is March 3rd.
>>Minnesota Doctors Want ICE Out of Hospitals
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesota doctors are asking the state’s congressional delegation to restrict ICE activities at hospitals and health care facilities. Minnesota Medical Association President Lisa Matson says immigration enforcement is interfering with good patient care. Matson says some patients are afraid to go to their doctor’s office because they could be detained. She says they’ve also received reports of ICE agents refusing to leave private patient areas of health care facilities.
>>ICE Out of Minnesota Rally in Brooklyn Park
(Brooklyn Park, MN) — There is an ICE out of Minnesota rally and march this morning (Sat) in Brooklyn Park. Faith leaders, union officials, and community members are gathering at Brooklyn United Methodist Church to talk about federal agents targeting residents and workers in the northwest suburbs. They are demanding ICE leave our cities and state. The rally will be followed by a march down Brooklyn Boulevard.
>>Indigenous-Led Rally Calling for ICE to Leave Minnesota
(Minneapolis, MN) — An Indigenous-led coalition is planning a rally this morning (Sat) outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, calling for ICE to end its operations in Minnesota. The event, “Not On Native Land,” is organized by Native Clergy of Minnesota along with All Nations Indian Church, Healing Minnesota Stories, and the multifaith coalition MARCH. Leaders say they’re gathering to highlight concerns about immigration detention taking place on land historically tied to the mass imprisonment of Dakota people. Organizers say the rally will include traditional songs, prayers, and a public witness for those being held inside the facility.
>>MPAC Protests U.S. in Venezuela, Iran, Cuba During International Day of Action
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Peace Action Coalition (MPAC) is protesting in Minneapolis this afternoon (Sat) the U-S occupation in Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba. Organizers say this comes in response to a call for an international day of action from a grassroots dockworkers union in Genoa, Italy. M-PAC says these occupations are happening “in the context of the genocide in Palestine” and increased ICE presence in Minnesota.
>>DEED Announces New Childcare Grants
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is announcing the latest Request for Proposals (RFP) for Child Care Economic Development Grants. This funding enables community partners to increase the number of childcare providers serving their regions and support economic development across the state. A total of $1.425 million dollars will be available for this round of funding.
>>DWI’s Tick Up Over Super Bowl Weekend
(St. Paul, MN) — As Super Bowl Sunday celebrations approach, law enforcement is reminding Minnesotans to plan ahead before drinking and driving. State Patrol Lt. Mike Lee says officers typically see an increase in impaired driving arrests during Super Bowl weekend, prompting extra enforcement statewide. “It’s a very fun time,” Lee said. “We want people to enjoy the game and their time with friends and family. We just want people to do it safely.” Authorities are urging partygoers to use a sober driver, rideshare or make overnight plans if alcohol is involved.
>>Minnesota’s Other Super Bowl Tradition: Wings Everywhere
(Undated) — In Minnesota, Super Bowl Sunday isn’t just about football. It’s about wings, and lots of them. By midweek, grocery store coolers were packed, sports bars were stacking takeout boxes, and Minnesotans were debating the same age old questions: Buffalo or barbecue? From living rooms in Luverne to basements in Bemidji, chicken wings have become the unofficial centerpiece of the Big Game. Hosts plan menus around them. Guests judge parties by them. And no one ever complains there are too many. Americans eat about 1.48 billion chicken wings on Super Bowl Sunday, according to the National Chicken Council’s annual Chicken Wing Report.
