Stories from January 12, 2026

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.
Thaw now, snow chances and arctic outbreak ahead late this week
We ride the Minnesota weather roller coater in the next week. Temperatures in the 50s in southwest Minnesota Monday. We could see widespread subzero temperatures by the upcoming weekend.
Attorney General Keith Ellison: State 'prepared to take action' on federal immigration action
MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to find out what actions state and local leaders may take to limit ICE and Border Patrol activity in the region.
How ICE uses phone and internet data to identify and track people
ICE recently purchased two programs called Tangles and Webloc, which are used to track the cell phone activity of entire neighborhoods and monitor people over social media and through internet data, according to reporting by 404 Media.
What to do if ICE stops you: An attorney answers some questions
With immigration enforcement activity increasing across Minnesota, many people are asking a simple but urgent question: What are my rights if ICE or other federal agents approach me?
Court orders Hopkins man detained by ICE in latest enforcement surge released from custody
Bryam Escobar Martinez is one of dozens of people detained by ICE who challenged their detention in court. A judge granted his request for release several days after the arrest.
Scott Jensen names sheriff’s deputy as his running mate
Jensen announced on Monday that he picked lieutenant governor candidate Phouthaivanh Wilkerson to run with him for the Republican Party’s endorsement.
Twin Cities schools reopen with security measures tied to ICE operations
After closing due to safety concerns last week, several Twin Cities school districts reopened their doors Monday to students with added safety measures amid a surge in immigration enforcement. More student walkouts protesting ICE operations are expected across the region.
Morning Announcements for Jan. 12
These are the Morning Announcements for Monday, Jan. 12. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
George Floyd and Renee Good: 5 years between Minneapolis videos, and confusion has increased
Five years after video of George Floyd's killing on a Minneapolis street, video of another law enforcement action in the northern city is central to another American debate. But times have changed. 
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.
These are the 2026 Golden Globe winners
Timothée Chalamet, Teyana Taylor, Jessie Buckley and Noah Wyle all took home acting prizes at Sunday night’s awards.
Celebrities wear pins protesting ICE at the Golden Globes
Some celebrities donned anti-ICE pins at the Golden Globes on Sunday in tribute to Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer last week in Minneapolis.
January warmth gives way to snow, colder air by week’s end
January warmth will begin to fade this week as snow chances increase and colder air moves in by the end of the workweek. A wintry mix is possible late Monday night into Tuesday, mainly north of Interstate 94.
Latino businesses in Rochester hurting as ICE ramps up presence in greater Minnesota
With an increased ICE presence in Rochester, a business owner who serves the city’s Latino community says many of his customers are afraid they’ll be detained, and are too scared to shop. In a social media post, he asked Rochester to step-up its support of businesses like his. And they have.
DOJ subpoenas the Federal Reserve in an escalating pressure campaign
The Justice Department has subpoenaed the Fed over Chair Jerome Powell’s testimony over the central bank’s headquarters renovation. Powell calls it part of a pressure campaign over interest rates.