Intense ICE operations continue to dominate headlines in Minnesota, with reports of reckless driving by federal agents in Minneapolis and a multi-vehicle crash in St. Paul on Wednesday. According to Bring Me The News, an aide to City Council President Elliott Payne noted agents speeding in Northeast Minneapolis, echoing an earlier St. Paul incident where Mayor Kaohly Her blamed ICE for endangering residents. Protests erupted at Target stores demanding the retailer restrict federal agents without warrants, while a KARE 11 poll showed most Minnesotans oppose Operation Metro Surge. Governor Tim Walz called a partial federal drawdown a step forward but urged a full exit, as ICE agents outnumber local police.

The state legislature reconvenes Tuesday, February 17, in a tied 67-67 House after special elections restored balance, per the League of Minnesota Cities. Leaders like Speaker Lisa Demuth and DFL Caucus Leader Zack Stephenson pledge bipartisan work on gun violence, immigration, fraud, and a potential bonding bill amid a projected $2.96 billion deficit. Governor Walz pushes $907 million in capital investments for infrastructure, though debates rage over funding without cuts.

Economically, federal presence hammers small businesses, especially immigrant-owned ones, with Minneapolis estimating $10-20 million weekly losses and 90% of hospitality firms hit by absenteeism, according to DEED Commissioner Varilek. The Minneapolis Foundation launched a $4 million Economic Response Fund for stabilization grants up to $10,000, while Minnesota Housing awarded $7.5 million for 21 housing projects. Startups shine brighter, with 12 firms eyed for growth by the Business Journals.

Community-wise, St. Louis County deputies fatally shot a suspect in Duluth after a reckless driving chase, investigated by the BCA. Public safety tensions rise alongside calls for Medicaid protections against $1.4 billion federal cuts from the Minnesota Medical Association.

No major weather events reported recently.

Looking Ahead: Watch the legislative session through May 18 for bonding deals and policy clashes, plus Walz's Shop Local Month push and any ICE drawdown updates.

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Minnesota grapples with federal immigration enforcement as the Trump administration announces a drawdown of 700 ICE agents from the state, citing progress in local cooperation, according to border czar Tom Homan. Democracy Now reports over 4,000 criminal illegal aliens have been removed since Operation Metro Surge began, though Governor Tim Walz calls it a step forward while demanding faster withdrawal, and Democratic lawmakers urge a full ICE exit amid school disruptions. Teachers unions have sued to bar agents from school grounds after a 10-year-old girl was detained en route to class in Columbia Heights.

In politics, special elections restored a 67-67 tie in the Minnesota House with new DFL representatives Meg Luger-Nikolai and Shelley Buck sworn in, maintaining power-sharing ahead of the February 17 legislative session, per the League of Minnesota Cities. Lawmakers face a tight 12-week window to tackle supplemental budgets and bonding bills.

Economically, Minnesota boasts vibrant startups like HistoSonics, 4C Medical, and Mayo Clinic innovations, ranking among the top 100 firms, as tracked by F6S. The Minnesota Chamber highlights business leadership in electrical infrastructure supporting the states economic engine.

Community headlines include Wayzata Public Schools referendum for $465 million in new schools and safety upgrades to handle growth, voting by April 14, and Northfield High Schools nearing construction bids for renovations emphasizing geothermal systems and flexible spaces. A $70 million Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame advances in Inver Grove Heights with city support. Public safety saw tragedies like a St. Cloud murder-suicide and St. Louis Park fire death, per Minnesota News Network. No major recent weather events reported.

Looking Ahead, watch the legislative session kickoff on February 17 for biofuel markets and farming priorities from MCGA, plus Wayzata referendum results.

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Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has filed an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security's Operation PARRIS, which targets legal refugees alongside Operation Metro Surge, bringing 3,000 agents to the state and sparking widespread protests. Minnesota News Network reports Ellison claims the operations sow fear in immigrant communities, harm the economy, and disrupt public services, with small business owners citing weekly losses of $10 to $20 million in Minneapolis alone from reduced customer traffic. The White House announced over 4,000 criminal illegal immigrants removed, calling it a milestone in law and order, while a federal judge denied Minnesota officials' bid to block the surge, despite fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, as noted by Democracy Now.

In politics, Congressman Pete Stauber introduced the Minnesota Voter Integrity Act of 2026 with colleagues, withholding federal funds until the Secretary of State cooperates with a DOJ election review, per Stauber's office. The state Legislature reconvenes February 17, with Democrats planning bills for immigrant aid, agent accountability like mask bans, and rental assistance amid the enforcement chaos, though bipartisan support is needed in the tied House, according to CBS News Minnesota. GOP leaders may push cooperation with ICE.

Economically, Louisiana-Pacific proposes a $157 million wood products plant in North Branch, seeking $10 million from DEED's Minnesota Forward Fund to create 100 jobs at $32.75 hourly wages, with a public hearing February 25, Finance & Commerce reports. DEED also announced $1.425 million in childcare grants to boost providers and growth.

Community efforts include Wayzata Public Schools' 2026 referendum for $465 million in new schools and safety upgrades due to enrollment surges, and Northfield High School's renovation nearing bids for summer construction with geothermal features and flexible spaces, per local school updates.

Public safety sees DWI arrests rising over Super Bowl weekend, with extra enforcement urged by State Patrol. Rallies against ICE continue, including Indigenous-led events in Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park.

No major recent weather events reported.

Looking Ahead: Watch the February 17 legislative session for immigration debates, gun control post-Annunciation shooting, and the North Branch plant hearing on February 25.

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Minnesota grapples with federal immigration enforcement fallout as Border Czar Tom Homan announced the immediate withdrawal of 700 ICE officers, leaving about 2000 in the state, according to Minnesota News Network. This drawdown follows months of Operation Metro Surge operations, which sparked protests, two protester deaths in Minneapolis, and lawsuits from school districts and teachers unions seeking to block ICE near schools. DFL Senator Doron Clark called it progress but urged continued community vigilance.

In politics, the legislature reconvenes February 17 amid tied House control, with immigration dominating debates. Democrats plan bills for immigrant support like rental aid and agent accountability, while Republicans push voter integrity measures via Congressman Pete Stauber's new act withholding funds until election data cooperation, per his office release. GOP Rep. Kristin Robbins testified on Capitol Hill about widespread state fraud, claiming broken systems and whistleblower harm, as reported by Minnesota News Network. Bonding for infrastructure and fraud oversight top session previews from Senate Republicans.

Economically, Louisiana-Pacific proposes a $157 million wood products plant in North Branch, eyeing 100 jobs at $32.75 hourly wages and up to $10 million in state aid, with a public hearing February 25, Finance & Commerce reports. Cannabis sales hit $31 million post-2025 launch, signaling steady growth despite licensing hurdles, per CJBS analysis. Governor Walz declared February Shop Local Month as small businesses report 60% sales drops from ICE fears, Twin Cities Business Journal notes. Federal funds secured by Rep. Tom Emmer total $12.2 million for St. Cloud and Clearwater road projects.

Community headlines include Northfield High School's renovation nearing bids for summer construction with geothermal upgrades and safety features, KYMN Radio states. A Fergus Falls ex-doctor faces sexual assault charges for underage hockey players, and a Champlin couple felony tax evasion counts.

No major recent weather events reported.

Looking Ahead, watch legislative immigration clashes, the North Branch plant hearing, Northfield school bids, and cannabis market scaling through 2026.

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Minnesota continues to face unprecedented turmoil as federal immigration operations intensify across the state. According to Democracy Now, a federal judge denied Minnesota officials' request to temporarily block Operation Metro Surge, the surge of 3,000 federal immigration agents now in its third month under the Trump administration. Federal Judge Kate Menendez ruled that the state had not met the threshold for a preliminary injunction, despite Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's condemnation of the decision as failing to address the fear and disruption experienced by residents.

The operation has resulted in tragic consequences. Reports indicate that Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis, sparking sustained protests throughout the Twin Cities and beyond. According to evrimagaci.org, tensions escalated when President Trump warned that ICE, Border Patrol, and military forces would act forcefully to protect federal property, threatening severe consequences for any violence against federal officers. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison responded sharply, dismissing Trump's rhetoric as self-aggrandizing while Minnesotans faced nine-below weather defending their communities.

On the local government front, St. Peter police made history when the city's police chief intervened to prevent federal agents from detaining a U.S. citizen, marking the first time a Minnesota police department has intervened in federal immigration activity since the surge began. This incident, reported by Minnesota Public Radio, highlighted the tension between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement tactics.

Community activism has intensified considerably. Democracy Now reports that former CNN anchor Don Lemon and independent journalist Georgia Fort were arrested on federal charges for reporting on a peaceful protest inside a St. Paul church where a top ICE official serves as pastor. They have since been released and vowed to continue their reporting. Additionally, the ICE Out of Minnesota coalition organized protests at over three dozen Target stores, demanding the Minneapolis-based company take a stronger stand against the federal operation and calling for ICE to leave the state.

A significant development came when a federal judge ordered the release of five-year-old Liam Ramos and his father from an ICE detention center in Texas. According to evrimagaci.org, the judge criticized the current approach as inhumane, with Liam's case generating international support and prompting pleas from elementary students at his school for kindness and respect.

Looking ahead, observers expect legal battles to continue as Minnesota officials challenge federal authority, while community organizations plan sustained pressure on major corporations and elected officials to oppose the immigration enforcement surge.

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Minnesota continues to grapple with significant federal immigration enforcement operations while managing major legislative priorities and infrastructure projects heading into a critical election year.

A federal judge on Saturday dealt a setback to state and local officials seeking to halt Operation Metro Surge, the Trump administration's massive deployment of approximately 3,000 immigration agents across Minnesota. According to reporting from Politico, Judge Wilhelmina Menendez rejected arguments that the federal presence constituted unconstitutional coercion of state sovereignty, saying she found no legal precedent for courts to micromanage such federal decisions. The operation has sparked widespread outrage following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24, both killed by federal officers. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison signaled his team would continue challenging the operation, vowing that the case is far from over.

On the legislative front, the Minnesota Legislature is preparing to convene in mid-February following special elections that reset the House to a 67-67 tie between Democrats and Republicans, according to reporting from Axios. The 201-member Legislature will be completely filled for the first time since June 2025, setting the stage for contentious negotiations on the state budget and policy priorities.

Governor Tim Walz has unveiled a 2026 Capital Investment Plan seeking to address gaps left by the previous year's bonding bill. The plan allocates 195 million dollars for public safety and corrections projects, 50 million for housing infrastructure, and 50 million in trunk highway bonds for pavement work, according to the Local Government Management Services.

In education news, Northfield High School's long-anticipated renovation project is entering its critical phase, with construction beginning this summer and continuing through 2029. According to KYMN News, the four-phase project will include new academic wings and a music facility that doubles as a storm shelter, with completion expected by 2029.

Minnesota's cannabis market is showing steady early growth following the launch of legal sales in late 2025. The state recorded approximately 31 million dollars in adult-use sales during the first several months after launch, according to MJBizDaily reporting, though licensing delays and regulatory uncertainty around hemp-derived products continue to create challenges for operators.

Governor Walz has proclaimed February as Shop Local Month in Minnesota, with state officials launching a campaign to support small businesses affected by reduced foot traffic and uncertainty from federal operations. The initiative partners with local governments and economic development organizations to mobilize resources and community support.

Looking ahead, Minnesota faces critical decisions on immigration enforcement policy, legislative negotiations on the state budget, and continued development of the cannabis regulatory framework throughout 2026.

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In Minnesota, tensions simmer over federal immigration enforcement as U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced 16 arrests of alleged rioters in Minneapolis, with more expected, according to Minnesota News Network. St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her met with U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan to voice concerns about the ICE surge's impact on communities, calling recent leadership changes promising steps toward resolution. This follows the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents, prompting two agents' leave and an anti-ICE concert Friday at First Avenue headlined by Tom Morello, benefiting affected families.

Politics saw a pivotal shift with special elections restoring a 67-67 tie in the Minnesota House, as Democrat Meg Luger-Nikolai won District 64A and Shelley Buck took District 47A, per FOX 9 and the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee. This maintains power-sharing amid the DFL's narrow 34-33 Senate edge. Governor Tim Walz released his 2026 capital plan, proposing $700 million in bonds for infrastructure like water systems, public safety facilities, and PFAS removal.

Economically, North Wind Group plans a $1.1 billion aerospace research complex in Rosemount, partnering with the University of Minnesota, as reported by Area Development. Rochester anticipates another $1 billion in construction driven by Mayo Clinic's expansion. Congressman Pete Stauber secured $15 million for northern infrastructure, including highway reconstructions.

Communities grapple with immigration fears affecting schools; districts like Minnetonka stay open amid reports of enforcement nearby, though absenteeism rises, Education Week notes. A Wheaton man died in a house fire, under investigation by the State Fire Marshal.

No major recent weather events reported.

Looking Ahead: Watch for the legislative session's start, more special elections, Homan's ongoing talks, and North Wind's groundbreaking.

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Tensions remain high in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, by federal ICE agents during protests against Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis on Saturday. According to Minnesota News Network, Attorney General Keith Ellison is seeking a federal restraining order to halt the deployment of 3,000 agents, citing unconstitutional overreach, while Governor Tim Walz has demanded ICE leave the state. Protests continue amid clashes, including a Sunday incident at a Minneapolis hotel where federal agents deployed tear gas, as reported by Bring Me The News. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced she will oppose DHS funding, echoing calls from national Democrats. This marks the second such shooting recently, after Renee Good's death, fueling statewide outrage.

Governor Walz issued an executive order mandating weapons screening at the State Capitol ahead of the February 17 legislative session, funded by the State Patrol to enhance security amid rising political violence, FOX 9 reports. His proposed 2026 capital investment plan borrows $700 million for public safety, water infrastructure, housing, and transportation projects like PFAS removal and highway bonds, per the League of Minnesota Cities. The legislature eyes anti-fraud measures, including an independent Inspector General office, as bipartisan talks loom.

In business news, HOM Furniture is installing 2.48 megawatts of solar at four stores to claim federal tax credits before the July 4 deadline, partnering with Cedar Creek Energy for cost savings amid rising utility rates, Finance & Commerce states. At the University of Minnesota's Carlson School, the Connecting Carlson project passed its halfway mark, opening new experiential learning spaces fully funded by philanthropy.

Community efforts shine with Tartan High School's renovation in Oakdale, modernizing facilities without closure via phased additions for safety and flexible learning, earning top honors from the Minnesota Construction Association. Congressman Pete Stauber secured $15 million federally for northern infrastructure like highway reconstructions.

No major recent weather events reported.

Looking Ahead: Watch for federal court rulings on Operation Metro Surge, Capitol session start with security upgrades, special legislative elections deciding House control, and business solar rushes before tax credit ends.

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Thousands of Minnesotans joined coordinated protests and an economic strike on Friday, January 23, against heightened federal immigration enforcement, with marches in Minneapolis drawing crowds despite freezing temperatures, as reported by VOCM and the BBC. The actions, dubbed ICE Out of Minnesota, saw hundreds of businesses close in solidarity and about 100 clergy arrested at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport during a prayer vigil disrupting deportation flights. Tensions stem from two fatal shootings by ICE officers, including 37-year-old Renee Good on January 7 and another man on January 24, sparking daily demonstrations, National Guard deployment ordered by Governor Tim Walz, and sharp rebukes from Senator Amy Klobuchar and other Democrats. Federal officials, including Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, blamed state leaders for escalating conflicts, while Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, threaten to block a spending bill funding DHS and ICE, raising shutdown risks by January 30, according to Politico and CityNews Halifax.

In politics, businesses gear up for the 2026 legislative session starting soon, with a preview event on February 4 highlighting priorities like workforce development, child care, housing, and taxes, per the FMWF Chamber. St. Joseph explores a data center zoning ordinance in 2026 to regulate energy and water demands proactively, as noted by Finance & Commerce. Congressman Pete Stauber secured 15 million dollars for northern Minnesota infrastructure, including highway reconstructions and safety upgrades, via the THUD bill.

Economically, University of Minnesota's Carlson School passed the halfway mark on its Connecting Carlson project, opening new learning suites and an auditorium, fully funded by philanthropy. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture opened Food Retail Improvement Grants through March 10. Local budgets face strains from growth-driven cost shifts, says MinnPost.

Community efforts include store owners aiding protesters with warmth and aid amid the cold snap. No major recent weather events reported.

Looking Ahead: Watch the February 4 legislative preview, potential federal shutdown, ongoing ICE tensions, and infrastructure milestones like Carlson Hall completion this fall.

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Minnesota is navigating significant challenges and changes as the state enters 2026. Governor Tim Walz unveiled a 907 million dollar infrastructure plan on January 15th designed to address public safety, clean water, transportation, and affordable housing[2]. The proposal dedicates 35 percent to preserving state infrastructure, 19 percent to water and transportation projects, and 16 percent to public safety investments[4]. Notably, 41 million dollars will fund Capitol security upgrades following the 2025 assassination of DFL House Leader Melissa Hortman[2]. The plan requires a three-fifths supermajority vote in both chambers to pass, meaning lawmakers will need bipartisan agreement to move forward[2].

Tensions have escalated around federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. According to WUNC, President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minneapolis, with the Pentagon reportedly readying 1,500 active-duty soldiers for possible deployment[1]. Governor Walz mobilized the state's National Guard to assist local law enforcement[1]. In response to heightened ICE operations that resulted in the January 7th death of Renee Nicole Good, over 50 labor unions and community organizations have organized a January 23rd Day of Action calling for an economic blackout with no work, no school, and no shopping[9].

A concerning public safety incident occurred in Moorhead when a 13-year-old boy brought 1,500 fentanyl pills valued at over 35,000 dollars to Horizon Middle School[5]. The teen was taken into custody, and the Moorhead Police Department partnered with the school district to begin random drug-detecting dog searches in all school buildings[5].

On the business front, Marshfield continues development projects into 2026. A footwear manufacturer is nearing completion on a 14.5 million dollar, 70,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at Mill Creek Business Park that will add 35 jobs to its current 120-person workforce[3]. Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture awarded nearly 500,000 dollars in grants to eight projects focused on developing markets for continuous living cover crops, supporting early-stage agricultural enterprises[7].

Weather has also impacted the state, with blizzard warnings issued for south-central and southwestern Minnesota, and extreme cold warnings set to take effect Thursday with subzero temperatures forecasted[5].

Looking ahead, the Minnesota Legislature reconvenes in mid-February with significant debates expected over the bonding bill, immigration enforcement response, and anti-fraud measures in public programs[6][10]. The January 23rd Day of Action will test the state's response to federal immigration policy, while business leaders prepare for a legislative session focused on workforce availability, housing supply, and economic competitiveness[6].

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