>>AG, Twin Cities File Temporary Restraining Order to Stop Surge of ICE Agents
(St. Paul, MN) — Attorney General Keith Ellison and Minneapolis and St. Paul are filing a temporary restraining order to halt the surge of ICE agents in the Twin Cities. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says he’s not asking ICE to stop doing its job; he’s asking for an end to what he calls the “unconstitutional” conduct seen in our cities. Frey said, “You can’t indiscriminately take people off our streets. You cannot drag pregnant women through the snow, you’re not allowed to take teenagers out of their car and detain them when they are in fact American citizens.” He’s referencing two of the numerous videos showing ICE agents interact with residents.
>>House GOP Leaders Criticize Minnesota Lawsuit Against ICE
(St. Paul, MN) — House Republican leaders are criticizing the lawsuit Attorney General Keith Ellison and Minneapolis and St. Paul filed against ICE. Speaker Lisa Demuth and G-O-P floor Leader Harry Niska said in a statement, “Instead of working with the federal government to target and arrest criminal illegal immigrants, they are wasting state resources on a lawsuit that seeks to override the federal government’s authority to enforce immigration law.” Public safety officials say the Department of Homeland Security has refused to work with them and is not notifying local law enforcement about its efforts. The lawsuit alleges the federal government is violating the 10th Amendment by usurping Minnesota’s right to police itself.
>>Hundreds Confront ICE Outside Somali Mall in St. Cloud
(St. Cloud, MN) — Tensions flared outside a Somali mall in St. Cloud on Monday as hundreds of people confronted federal immigration agents. The crowd grew after a local Somali news outlet streamed the scene live on social media, drawing more protesters to the area. ICE agents reportedly asked people to move their vehicles so they could leave, but the situation escalated. Witnesses say agents deployed a chemical irritant as tensions mounted. After more than an hour of shouting and chanting, the crowd eventually dispersed, allowing federal vehicles to exit the lot.
>>Senator Putnam Releases Statement Following Somali Demonstration at Mall
(St. Cloud, MN) — D-F-L Senator Aric Putnam of St. Cloud is out with a statement after being shown in a video captured by the Minnesota Star Tribune. Putnam says he was at the Star Market Mall to support Somali neighbors and local businesses during ICE and border patrol activity. In the video, Putnam is shown trying to keep people back. The Tribune reporter on social media posted that the senator was asking people to let the agents leave. Putnam says he was not protesting, agitating or encouraging confrontation. He said, “As an elected official, it is important to support our community and make sure our neighbors and friends have the protection and support they need, especially during moments of fear and uncertainty.”
>>Capitol Area Security Meeting Tuesday in St. Paul
(St. Paul, MN) — The Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security is meeting again this afternoon (Tues 2pm) in St. Paul. Members are expected to discuss changes at the State Capitol complex including adding weapons detectors and improvements to access controls and technology. The bipartisan committee is chaired by Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan.
>>Hibbing Taconite to Lay Off 45 Workers
(Hibbing, MN) — Hibbing Taconite plans to lay off 45 employees as the Iron Range mine and pellet plant remain partially idled. The cuts take effect on February 1st. According to the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, 37 of the affected workers are hourly, while eight hold salaried positions. This follows nearly 250 layoffs at the facility last spring. Hibbing Taconite is partially owned by U-S Steel.
>>MDH Report Finds Most Maternal Deaths are Preventable
(St. Paul, MN) — A new report from the Minnesota Department of Health shows a whopping 95 percent of maternal deaths in the state between 2017 and 2021 were preventable. The Maternal Mortality Review Committee found most deaths occurred after childbirth, often linked to mental health conditions, substance use, infection, hemorrhage, and heart disease. The report also highlights stark racial disparities: American Indian parents faced a death rate more than 12 times the state average, and Black parents more than twice as high. Officials are calling for better access to care, mental health support, and follow-up after pregnancy.
>>Infant Death Under Investigation in Champlin
(Champlin, MN) — Police in Champlin are investigating the death of a baby. Officers say they found the infant not breathing as well as an adult in medical distress on Friday. First responders provided medical aid and both were taken to the hospital where the infant died. The incident is still under investigation and no names have been released.
>>Champlin Park Student Arrested for Bringing Gun to School
(Brooklyn Park, MN) — A Champlin Park High School student is in juvenile detention for bringing a gun on campus. The Brooklyn Park Police Department says it learned a student may be in possession of a handgun late Monday morning. Officers say the school resource officer and staff worked to locate the suspect and the gun was recovered. A 17-year-old boy was arrested without incident.
>>DNR Proposes Lowering Statewide Walleye Limit from 6 to 4
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota anglers could soon see the statewide walleye limit drop from six to four. The Department of Natural Resources says the proposed change would help protect the state’s walleye population for future generations. The current rule allowing only one walleye over 20 inches would stay in place. Officials say the update reflects changes in climate, invasive species, and fishing technology since the six-fish limit was set in 1956. The public comment period is open through March 5th.
>>Minnesota Wild Lose to New Jersey Devils at Grand Casino Arena
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Wild fell to the New Jersey Devils 5-2 last night in St. Paul. It was just the second time since November 1st that the Wild lost in regulation on home ice. Ryan Hartman tied the game 1-1 in the second period before the Devils scored with 6.7 seconds remaining and then added three more goals in the third. Marcus Foligno netted Minnesota’s second goal with 19 seconds left in the game. Jesper Wallstedt made 24 saves in the loss. Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes played against his two younger brothers who skate for New Jersey.
