Minnesota Today

A St. Cloud strip mall was the center of what one lawmaker called “chaos and aggression” Monday when dozens of ICE agents showed up. Some protesters were hit with pepper spray, and some community members threw snowballs at agents, according to local media reports.

Federal immigration agents illegally broke into a man’s home in north Minneapolis over the weekend in what attorneys say was a clear violation of the Constitution.

As immigration enforcement ramps up across Minnesota, questions are growing about what to do if ICE agents approach you. Immigration attorneys say it’s important for people to understand their rights during encounters with federal agents.

Attorney Gloria Contreras Edin says if ICE stops you in a car or on the street, stay calm and don't resist. Contreras Edin also suggests U.S. citizens carry copies of their passports. She said those without passports are required to carry original copies of their documents, such as a legal permanent resident card.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson says immigration agents have arrested more than 2,000 people in Minnesota since its enforcement surge began last month.

Tribal nations are encouraging citizens in the Twin Cities metro area to carry tribal IDs with them during a surge in ICE operations.

This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music is by Gary Meister.  

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Over the weekend, anti-ICE protests took place across the country in the wake of the killing of Renee Macklin Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. On Saturday, in Minneapolis, thousands demonstrated against ICE and in support of Macklin Good at Powderhorn Park.

Dozens of people rallied in Minneapolis Sunday in a separate demonstration to show solidarity for protesters in Iran who are facing a violent government crackdown. For the past few weeks, Iran has been rocked by nationwide anti-government protests and a swift crackdown on demonstrations.

Minnesotans are facing a lot of health care challenges, especially in rural parts of the state. Now, as state lawmakers prepare for the legislative session that starts next month, some of them are meeting with rural constituents to hear from them directly about their health care needs.

A nonprofit charity inspired by a plucky chicken is helping homeowners in northern Minnesota rebuild from a devastating wildfire. Last May, the Camp House fire swept through the woods surrounding Mikala Schliep's home in Brimson. Firefighters saved her home. Her chicken coop was destroyed, but somehow, one hen named Reba survived.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says her office is seeking out evidence to conduct a local investigation into this week's fatal shooting of Renee Macklin Good in Minneapolis by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.

She says the office is asking for information, video and photos of the event to be submitted through a link on the office's website.

And Minneapolis Public Schools will offer the option for remote learning for a month amid federal immigration enforcement in the city. The remote learning option currently extends until February 12.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good on Wednesday morning has been identified through court documents from a June incident in Bloomington. NPR has confirmed that Jonathan Ross is the ICE officer who shot and killed Good as she was driving away from a group of agents on Portland Avenue.

The Department of Homeland Security has not released Ross’ name, but DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said that the same agent who killed Good had been dragged by a car in an incident last year.

Hundreds of protestors marched down Lake Street Thursday night in a peaceful demonstration against ICE.

The shooting this week is just the latest in a series of traumatic events in the state. Daniel Griffith is pastor and rector of the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. He says the Twin Cities are dealing with collective trauma, following the assassination of state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the Annunciation school shooting. But he says it's important to maintain hope.

Federal agencies have taken sole lead of the investigation of a fatal shooting by a federal immigration officer of a woman in Minneapolis, shortly after saying it would investigate jointly with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Gov. Tim Walz criticized the decision by the FBI to take over the investigation.

The Minneapolis school district canceled classes today and tomorrow.

This is an MPR News Evening update, hosted by Emily Reese. Theme music is by Gary Meister.  

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS. 

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is calling for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to vacate the city after an agent shot and killed a woman this morning. At a press conference today, Frey angrily condemned the shooting and the ICE operation.

That story and more on today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The Anoka-Hennepin teachers union and school district have reached a tentative contract agreement, averting a strike that could have started as soon as Thursday.

A state audit found a grant program within the Minnesota Department of Human Services is failing to provide adequate oversight. The Behavioral Health Administration is part of DHS and is in charge of disbursing grants to programs that help Minnesotans with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. But a new report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor found that BHA does not have adequate controls to make sure the grants are being used as intended.

Gov. Tim Walz spoke to reporters today about his decision to drop his reelection bid. The decision came amid attacks from the federal government over his handling of fraud in the state.

And a Capitol area security panel will meet tomorrow to consider new rules that could improve public safety on the campus.

Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Kelly Bleyer. Music by Gary Meister.